SALT LAKE CITY—
The state of Utah is taking a safety campaign on the road through the month of May in an attempt to cut down on the number of motorcycle deaths. The campaign is called "Drive Aware Ride Aware." Utah officials started spreading the message Tuesday and are serious about the campaign since about 85 percent of all accidents that involve motorcycles will result in injury or death to the rider. The Department of Public Safety says it is a statistic that has to change."When we hear motorcycle crash we know it's gonna be serious and what's sad is simply 30 mph crashes on motorcycles result in death because of one simple factor -- no helmet," said Utah Highway Patrol Col. Danny Fuhr.
Fuhr said says crashes involving motorcycles are some of the most difficult to respond to.
"It's sad to go to a home of an individual and say your loved one is dead because they simply weren't wearing a helmet," Fuhr said.
Fuhr said the motorcycle safety message throughout the month of May is important.
"You better have a helmet on, safety glasses, gloves etc, because if you do go down your chance of survivals much greater if you have the proper equipment," said Fuhr.
One Utahn, Annie Wise, was in a motorcycle crash driving up Weber Canyon. She was not wearing a helmet and said she is lucky to have survived the accident.
"I had chaps on and I had a coat so I didn't end up with as much road rash as some of the other guys and I was wearing safety goggles which it broke some of the bones in my face, but it saved my eyes and I was so grateful for that equipment," said Wise.
Wise and many others are spreading the message of motorcycle safety throughout the state. They are advising drivers to watch for motorcycles and to check their blind spots. The message will be given in high school drivers education classes throughout Utah.
Last year, 30 people died in motorcycle accidents in the state of Utah. This year, three people have died. The campaign hopes to reduce these numbers.
FOX 13's Sandy Riesgraf reports.
SEND US YOUR NEWS, WEATHER AND SPORTS PICTURES! www.fox13now.com/pics
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @fox13now
VISIT US ON YOUR CELL PHONE! http://mobile.fox13now.com
