| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 2072 | 2011-05-20 | Troop B | Troop B Reminds Motorists about Motorcycle Awareness Month |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent TROOP B- NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: May 20, 2011 Troop B Reminds Motorists about Motorcycle Awareness Month Troop B – During the last four weeks, Louisiana State Police Troop B has investigated two fatal crashes and two serious injury crashes; all of which involved motorcycles. The month of May is Motorcyclist Awareness and Safety Month and Troop B would like to remind all motorists of several important guidelines: *Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Please utilize a designated sober driver! *Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, so look carefully before turning or changing lanes. *Motorcycles are vehicles with the same privileges as other motor vehicles on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel. *Check carefully for motorcycles at intersections. Drivers of all vehicles should slow down and look twice. *Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers. Obstructions, such as debris or potholes, can be dangerous for a motorcyclist. *If you ride a motorcycle, stay a safe distance from passenger vehicles and always wear a helmet. Motorcycle helmets save lives. To help protect the lives of motorcycle riders, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all motorcycle helmets sold in the United States meet specific Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards. This standard defines minimum levels of performance that helmets must meet to protect the head and brain in the event of a crash. Despite scientific evidence showing that DOT approved helmets reduce deaths and injuries to motorcycle riders, many riders choose to wear uncertified helmets, often called “novelty” helmets. In general, these “novelty” helmets have little or no impact-attenuating lining inside their shells, are not made to withstand the penetration requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, and their retention systems do not ensure that the helmets stay fastened on motorcycle riders’ heads in the event of a crash. A “novelty” helmet is easily identified by the absence of a manufacturer placed label with the symbol “DOT” on the rear of the helmet. In addition, the design and weight of a helmet, thickness of the inner liner, and the quality of the chin strap and rivets are extra clues to help distinguish safe helmets from non-complying ones. Motorcycle riders can find more information on helmet guidelines and rider safety courses by visiting http://lahighwaysafety.org/motorcycle.html. Contact Information: Trooper Melissa Matey Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop B Office: (504) 471-2780 melissa.matey@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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