Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Marks Motorcycle Awareness Month
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today presented a proclamation to the Freedom of the Road Riders declaring May 2007 as Motorcycle Awareness Month. The ceremony followed a procession of motorcycles around the state Capitol.
"Your advocacy on behalf of motorcycle riders characterizes some of the greatest traits of America: hard work, love of country, freedom and a close community," Blunt said. "Motorcycles are a popular form of transportation and pastime for millions of people across the state and nation. During Motorcycle Awareness Month and throughout the year I encourage motorcycle enthusiasts to actively promote motorcycle safety and awareness."
In Missouri there are more than 98,000 registered motorcycles, more than 300 motor-tricycles and nearly 300,000 men and women who have valid operator and chauffeurs licenses with a motorcycle endorsement. The governor's Motorcycle Awareness Month proclamation encourages motorcycle operators to use good judgment and to help promote motorcycle safety and awareness.
As the warm weather leads to more motorcycles on streets and highways, Blunt emphasized that all Missouri drivers need to share the roadways, be cautious and observe motorcycles.
Last year the governor signed legislation strengthening Missouri's Failure to Yield Law or "Clutch's Law" to help reduce the number of Missourians and motorcycle operators who are injured or killed in failure to yield accidents. The bill strengthened the penalties for drivers at fault in failure to yield accidents and includes provisions allowing the suspension of driving privileges for those involved in failure to yield accidents that result in injury or death.