FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, June 4, 2018

Contact:
Lisa Koumjian
[email protected] [1]

DMV REMINDS DRIVERS TO WATCH OUT FOR MOTORCYSLISTS AS AMERICADE RETURNS

Annual event draws more than 100,000 enthusiasts to Lake George

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) [2] and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) [3] remind motorists to look out for motorcyclists as the 36th annual Americade Motorcycle Rally returns to Lake George. DMV and GTSC urge motorists to use extra caution and watch out for motorcycle riders at all times and to expect to see significantly more riders in the region during Americade. This year’s event runs from June 4 to 9 and is expected to draw between 100,000 and 200,000 visitors to the Lake George region during the week.

“As New York welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country to Americade, it is a great time to emphasize the importance of sharing the road for both riders and motorists,” said Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner and Acting GTSC Chair. “Our goal is to prevent crashes and injuries all year long and particularly during this event, and we are committed to promoting smart riding and driving tips to help ensure all those who participate have a safe and enjoyable time.  We appreciate not only the cooperation of all those involved, but also the tradition Americade has become for so many riders and the significant boost it brings to the upstate economy.”

GTSC offers the following tips for both motorcyclists and motorists.  Tips can also be viewed on GTSC’s “Be Smart. Share the Road With Motorcycles” [4] 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.

New York has a long history of welcoming motorcyclists and working to keep them safe on the state’s roads. Last year, New York celebrated the 50th anniversary of a first-in-the-nation law requiring all motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear helmets.

In a new report [5], the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that New York’s helmet law saved 74 lives and nearly $1 billion in comprehensive costs in 2016. Those costs include lost productivity, medical expenses, legal and court costs, emergency service costs (EMS), insurance administration costs, workplace losses and more.

Last year also marked the 20th anniversary of New York’s implementation of a rider-funded motorcycle safety training and awareness program known as the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP). The program uses a nationally recognized motorcycle training curriculum, developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Nearly 240,000 motorcyclists have been trained in the NYSMSP since the program began in 1998. To find information on where to take a motorcycle safety course near you, go to the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program website [6].

To learn more about the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), visit the website at http://safeny.ny.gov/ [3]. For more information about DMV, visit dmv.ny.gov [2], or follow the DMV conversation online on Facebook [7] and Twitter [8].

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