Motorist Safety A Concern As Americade Revs Up This Weekend

The 36th annual Americade Motorcycle Rally began on Monday and is expected to reach it's peak this weekend in Lake George.  As many as 200,000 motorists are expected to be in the Capital/Lake George region and safety is always a concern for not only the riders but also for other motorists as well.  Here are some common sense rules and laws to abide by to ensure everyone's safety as the rally revs up this weekend.

The Governors Traffic Safety Committee and The NYS Department of Motor Vehicles offers the following tips for both motorcyclists and motorists.  Tips can also be viewed on GTSC’s “Be Smart. Share the Road With Motorcycles” webpage.

For riders:

• Obey the Speed Limit — speeding is the number one contributing factor in motorcycle crashes.
• Enroll in Rider Education — it is all about control. Whether you are a novice or experienced rider, DMV supports affordable motorcycle training courses for all rider skill levels, which can reduce injuries and save lives.
• Ride Responsibly — personal rider safety starts with you. Before every ride, make sure your machine is in safe operating condition and always wear armored and reflective safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet.
• Ride Conspicuously — proper lane usage will reduce your chances of being in another driver's blind spot and lessen the probability of being in a crash. Be aware of your surroundings and always maintain a safety zone.
• Ride Sober — don't ride impaired by alcohol or drugs and discourage other riders from making a bad choice. Intervene if you can, it's the right thing to do.

For other motorists concerning motorcyclists:

• "Watch for Motorcycles" — be aware of motorcycles sharing our roadways during the spring and summer months.
• Yield to Motorcycles — don't make a rash decision and turn quickly in front of an on-coming motorcycle; it may be traveling faster than it appears.
• Look Twice and Save a Life — check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes. Also, when negotiating busy intersections, look twice for motorcycles before proceeding safely.
• Be a Responsible Driver — ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition and that all your safety equipment is properly adjusted. Don't let cell phones and other activities distract you from your core mission — driving safely.
• Drive Sober — don't drive while your ability is impaired by alcohol or drugs.

To learn more about the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), visit the website at http://safeny.ny.gov/. For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov, or follow the DMV conversation online on Facebook and Twitter.