Make motorcycle safety a priority

One out of every nine U.S. road fatalities accounted for last year involved motorcycle riders.

That's why it's so important that Harley Davidson/Buell of Fort Myers and Naples Harley-Davidson are joining with other federal, state and local highway safety, law enforcement, and motorcycle organizations in proclaiming May 2009 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. All motorists are reminded to be extra alert when driving to help keep everyone safe.

Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle drivers. Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car crashes injure or kill a person in their vehicle. In fact, per vehicle mile traveled in 2006, motorcyclists were 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash.

Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too, by following the rules of the roadway and being alert to other drivers. Too often after a crash, the drivers of other vehicles involved say they never saw the motorcyclist and were unable to respond in time. Get involved and help make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase.

Scott Fischer

CEO and owner, Scott Fischer Enterp rises