Share the Road campaign will hopefully help decrease motorcycle accidents

AMARILLO, TEXAS -- A partnership between the city of Amarillo, TX Dot's Share the Road campaign, and the Texas Confederation of clubs and independent motorcycle riders, will hopefully reduce the amount of accidents involving motorcycles.

Amarillo is participating, the city commission made a proclamation showing support., proclaiming the month of May as motorcycle safety awareness month.

14 signs at 7 different bridges around town, have been put up. The signs are a part of the Share the Road campaign and will help create awareness for motorcycle safety.

Here are some alarming stats about motorcycle accidents involving other automobiles. 80% of cyclists are killed or injured while only 20% of the drivers in the automobiles involved are killed or injured.

The most common accident happens at intersections, 40% happen as vehicles take left turns and don't see the bikes coming.

In Amarillo according to Dean Downey of the Texas confederation of clubs and independents, in 2008 there were 53 accidents involving motorcycles and other vehicles, which unfortunately led to 4 fatalities. In 2009, there have already been 6 accidents with 2 fatalities.

Here are a few things, motorists can do to help share the road. Anticipate motorcyclists maneuvers and give them plenty of space, signal your intentions, yield right of way when signs are posted, and avoid cell phone usage.

"We're trying to increase awareness among motorists, and at the same time we're going to decrease the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities," said Dean Downey, Outpost safety and awareness coordinator, Texas confederation of clubs and independents.