Phoenix, Ariz. May 11, 2010. As motorcycles continue to rise in popularity, so does an unfortunate trend across the state and country – the growing number of riders who are injured and killed each year.  In fact, one of the most deadly motorcycle-related crashes in recent years just occurred in March, claiming the lives of four. As a result, AAA is utilizing May, which is designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month, to educate motorists about this trend while urging all motorists to share the road in order to create a safer traffic mix.

According to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, Arizona experienced a 51 percent increase in the number of registered motorcycles from 2004 to 2008. In 2004, more than 2,600 crashes involving motorcycles occurred in Arizona, resulting in more than 2,300 injuries and nearly 120 deaths. In 2008, crashes involving motorcycles rose by more than 30 percent to more than 3,500 crashes that resulted in more than 2,800 injuries and 140 deaths.

“The leading cause of motorcycle crashes is typically not the rider, but other motorists who fail to notice the rider,” said Linda Gorman, director of public affairs for AAA Arizona. “This is in large part due to motorcycles having a smaller profile than a car or truck, which can make it difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching bike.”

In honor of Motorcycle Awareness Month, AAA Arizona would like to offer the following tips to help other drivers be more aware of their two-wheeled counterparts:  

• Be alert and aware of surroundings. Thoroughly check traffic before entering or changing lanes. Avoid distractions such as cell phones that may deter attention from the road.
  
  
• Communicate. Signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging to help riders anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
  
  
• Be patient. Wait for riders to complete their turn before proceeding. On some motorcycles, the turn signals are not self-canceling and sometimes riders forget to turn them off.
  
  
• Understand maneuvers. A rider may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to conditions such as potholes, gravel, slippery surfaces, railroad crossings and grooved pavements.  

• Share the road. Although it may seem as though there is enough room in the traffic lane for vehicle and a motorcycle, a motorcycle needs the same room as a vehicle to maneuver safely.
  
  

Because the likelihood of a crash is higher when the operator of a motorcycle lacks proper training, the auto club would also like to offer the following tips to keep riders safe:

• Always wear protective gear, including a helmet, which meets the Department of Transportation’s standards.
  
  
• Wear appropriate protective clothing.
  
  
• Adhere to the rules of the road including the speed limit.
  
  
• Never ride when tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  
  
• Know your skill limit and ride within it.
  
  
• Do not let other people ride with you until you are experienced enough to ride in all road conditions.
  
  
• Take a training course. Whether you are a beginning or experienced rider, a motorcycle training course can help to improve your skills and prepare you for real world situations.

AAA offers an option for motorcycle owners. AAA Plus® Motorcycle Membership extends AAA Plus emergency road services to include all motorcycles in your entire household.  Membership covers you as a rider, driver or passenger in any car or on any motorcycle.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.