photo © 2011 Fort Carson | more info (via: Wylio)
Since 2003, the Texas Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs has been hard at work ensuring that at least one month of the year, the focus will be on motorcycle safety awareness. Currently, there are 781,303 licensed motorcyclists in the state, which is why it is no surprise that the state annually observes May as Motorcycle Safety Month.

The Texas DPS advices motorcyclists to keep themselves and others on the road safe by following their advice:

• Attend a professionally taught motorcycle safety course.
• Wear protective equipment, including a helmet whenever riding.
• Drive defensively.
• Avoid driving while intoxicated.
• Avoid speeding.

The DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit also prescribes that along with the safety equipment to be worn while riding a motorcycle, people should also make sure that their helmets are DOT-approved to ensure proper safety.

Currently, the DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit offers basic and advanced motorcycle training in 62 permanent locations and 9 mobile sites. Interested parties may look up the nearest course available for them by visiting the DPS web site: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/.

Last year alone, the state saw a record number of 29,141 Texans taking advantage of the courses.

While the month is clearly designed for motorcycle enthusiasts and motorcycle safety enthusiasts, non-motorcycle drivers should always keep an eye out to keep themselves and these motorcycle riders safe.

Here are some tips for non-motorcycle drivers:

• Always keep an eye out for motorcycles on the road. Given their size, motorcycles are harder to see, so drivers should be alert.
• Don't cut off motorcycles. These vehicles move at different rates, and cutting off a motorcycle may result in harm.
• Give motorcycles extra space. Though motorcycles occupy less space on the road, they require more to maneuver.

Labels: motorcycle, motorcycle license, motorcycle safety, motorcycle safety month