May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month [AUDIO]

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Montana Highway Patrol is letting the public know some important safety tips for both motorcyclists and motorists.

Captain James Kitchin with the Montana Highway Patrol said on Tuesday, that his troopers are cooperating with the Montana Transportation Department on the Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan to keep everyone safer this spring and summer on Montana's roadways.

"We are seeing a lot more crashes with motorcycles, whether its because of speed, or a lack of riding experience," Kitchin said. "Two things we're really emphasizing to motorcyclists are paying close attention to other traffic and wearing the proper safety equipment, such as gloves, leather apparel, and an approved helmet,"

Kitchin also had important advice for car drivers about sharing the road with motorcycles.

"Keep your eyes on the road," Kitchin said. "You've got to have 100% of your attention focused on your driving. You can't be texting, tuning the radio, or any distracted driving because it will delay your reaction time, so if a motorcycle pulls out in front of you, 3,000 pounds of car against a 300 pound motorcycle will always turn out tragically."

Captain James Kitchin, Montana Highway Patrol