News Room

BOISE—With the arrival of spring and the good weather, there will be an increase of motorcycle riders on the roads in Idaho. Drivers are reminded to “Look Twice for Motorcycles,” and this is particularly promoted during May in observation of national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

As drivers are encouraged to be alert and look for motorcyclists, motorcycle riders are also reminded to wear the proper gear, be prepared for the unexpected, and make themselves visible to other motorists while on the road.

“Motorcycles are sometimes difficult to see in traffic, so we encourage all drivers to look twice before turning or changing lanes. Raising awareness of motorcycles is the way to help reduce the number of crashes, and that means more riders coming home to their families at the end of the day,” said Stacey “Ax” Axmaker, Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program director.

Idaho State Transportation Department’s data from 2008-2010 shows there were 89 fatal crashes and 508 serious injury crashes in three years involving a motorcycle, resulting in 91 people killed and 562 people seriously injured.

A review of all 7,738 motorcycle crashes statewide from 1996-2010 revealed that STAR training is associated with a 79 percent reduced crash risk and an 89 percent reduction in the risk of a fatal crash.

To reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities, motorcycle riders are encouraged to participate in motorcycle rider training. There are 12 training locations across Idaho. To find one near you visit www.idahostar.org or call 1-888-280-7827. Motorcycle rider training is available for all levels of experience and ability, from people just thinking about buying a motorcycle, all the way up to expert riders.

About Idaho STAR

The Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program is an Idaho Division of Professional-Technical Education program and operates through the College of Southern Idaho. STAR is accredited by the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA). STAR training is associated with a 79% reduced crash risk and an 89% reduction in the risk of a fatal crash. STAR provides courses for all levels of riders, taught by Idaho certified instructors.