State troopers said last year 87 people were injured in motorcycle accidents throughout the state. This year troopers hope to reduce that number.

Long-time rider Joey Foreman says the few reckless drivers on the road give bikers a bad rap. After 28 years of experience, he has this advice to play it safe.

“Pay attention and if you have someone on the back with you, make sure that they are watching as well,” Foreman said.

State Trooper, Stephen Hammons, says “We want to encourage those drivers also to do the same things that a person in a car is going, which is looking ahead of you as you drive, paying attention as you drive and finding an avenue of escape if you have to.

Before hitting the road, there are a few precautions to take, like making sure you have your safety gloves on and never leaving home without your helmet.

"You have to do is have a helmet and make sure that it is DOT approved," Trooper Hammons said.

Foreman added, "always have safety glasses or sunglasses on, my family always has safety glasses on and a helmet, regardless."

Another rider, Glenn Stakes rides with a group and says, with that many riders it's crucial to follow the rules.

"All the bikes in line, everybody stays in line. You don't pass the two mains or back ones," Stakes said.

With over 40 years of riding experience, he's been in only one accident.

"I got mine laid down, I jumped off and rode off in a ditch,” Stakes said. “I didn't get much hurt except a little bit in the shoulder."

Many riders aren't as lucky as stakes, that's why it's important to remember when it comes to motorcycle safety, every driver plays a role.


Permalink | Play Video | Comments