From a press release issued by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month – MAY 2003
Making the Streets Safer for Motorcyclists

IRVINE, Calif. – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s mission is to make the nation’s streets and highways safer for motorcyclists through rider training programs, operator licensing programs, and public information campaigns. As part of this mission, we often partner with other groups that have an interest in issues concerning motorcycle safety.

As you may know, the month of May is a “Special Emphasis Period” designated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). During this month, the focus is on highway and traffic safety issues concerning motorcyclists, providing motorists (other vehicle operators) an opportunity to become familiar with the motorcyclist’s view of the highway as well as enhancing their awareness of the motorcyclists who share the road with them.

Historically, automobile drivers are at fault in the majority of auto-motorcycle crashes. The driver either does not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all or does not see the motorcyclist in time to avoid a crash. On the other hand, when the motorcyclist is at fault, he or she has typically made a bad choice, such as riding while impaired. Working together, we can reduce both types of hazards by helping motorists become more aware of motorcycles on the road, and by ensuring motorcyclists are more aware of the consequences of their own choices.

MSF offers several types of training and educational materials for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, including:

CD with several newly developed PSA print ads and press releases that address rider training, licensing, motorist awareness, helmet use, and more.

Three PSA radio scripts.

“Cars, Motorcycles and A Common Road” VHS video; focuses on motorist awareness.

“Riding Straight” VHS video; deals with alcohol-impaired riding.

“The MSF Guide to Group Riding” VHS video.

Two 30-second television PSA’s, co-produced by MSF and RADD (Recording Artists, Actors & Athletes Against Drunk Driving).

CD with artwork for “Take It Easy” campaign posters.

CD with “Take It Easy” audio PSA’s.

MSF-branded protective gear: reflective vests and a reflective helmet band.

For a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month packet, which includes some of the print and radio ads plus an order form for the other materials, please contact Ken Glaser at (949) 727-3227 x3011 or via email at [email protected].

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing and public information. The MSF is sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Vengeance, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles.