Live to ride- safely that is

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in California. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of drivers and motorcyclists sharing the road, the California Highway Patrol will release the video "Thrill of Buzz Kill?" at the Motorcycle Safety Summit.

"Sharing the road with many types of vehicles is necessary for safe highways," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "While drivers need to watch out for bikers, motorcyclists need to be defensive riders and watch their surroundings as well."

Fresno police chief and president of the California Police Chiefs Association Jerry Dyer reminded motorists that "safety is a two-way street" off the highway as well.

"Oftentimes, motorcycles are harder to see than cars and are more vulnerable when on the road. Motorcycle riders always need more time and room to avoid hazards, and drivers should make every effort to give riders as much room on the road as possible," he said.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, more Californians are sharing the roadways. "Among the more than 23 million licensed drivers in the state, there are roughly 1.1 million licensed riders," said DMV deputy director of licensing operations Mimi Khan.

The CHP's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System statistics show the number of motorcyclists killed in collisions statewide has increased more than 140 percent during the past 10 years.

California Office of Traffic Safety director Christopher J. Murphy said "OTS, the CHP and the National Highway Traffic Safety administration are convening the first-ever Motorcycle Safety Summit later this month in California with representatives from motorcycle riders, law enforcement, industry and public agencies to address this problem and reduce these tragic deaths."

With a motorcycle, safety accessories are limited to equipment like helmets, jackets, boots and gloves. Not much stands between the rider and serious injury in case of a collision.

In addition to safety equipment, education is crucial for new motorcyclists and riders who have been off the road for a length of time.

"Even as a veteran rider, I know it's important to take a refresher course and sharpen your skills, especially if you haven't ridden in a while," said CHP assistant commissioner Ramona Prieto.

Last year, nearly 63,000 students attended training courses at one of the 114 California Motorcyclist Safety Program training sites throughout California. CMSP is California's official motorcycle safety and training program administered by the CHP.

To enroll in a CMSP course, call (877) 743-3411 or visit www.ca-msp.org.

The CHP's "Red Asphalt"-type video "Thrill or Buzz Kill?", which was funded by a federal grant issued through the Office of Traffic Safety, will be distributed to CHP area offices throughout the state for use in educational presentations in local communities.