May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! And even if you don't ride a motorcycle yourself, you DO share the road with them. Here are some safety reminders to keep you and others safe on the road!

• A motorcycle IS a vehicle with all rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle.

• Be sure to give a motorcycle the full lane width.

• Always scan the road for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots when at intersections, making turns, and before switching lanes.

• Make it a habit to always use your turn signal to alert others on the road of your intentions.

• A flashing signal on a motorcycle could be the motorcyclist's way of signaling a turn OR it may be a feature of the bike. Flashing headlights are becoming more common to make the bike more visible to other motorists on the road. So always use caution and wait to see if the motorcyclist intends to turn at the intersection or not.

• Never tailgate a motorcycle (or anyone for that matter!) Give them room to maneuver.

• Try your best not to become distracted while driving. This is important for you and everyone else on the road. (Remember last month was Distracted Driving Awareness Month!)

(Motorists: Watch for, recognize motorcycles,

http://newstrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=29&ArticleID=19069).

These were just a few tips to remind you of how to look for and proceed around motorcycles provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Safe driving!