Police – Drivers, Motocyclists Need To Share Road

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - As warmer weather brings more motorcyclists out on Minnesota roads, Minneapolis police are urging all motorists to work together to prevent accidents.

Police say the chance of a motorcyclist being killed in an accident is seven times greater than for all other vehicles.

Police urge vehicle drivers to be "motorcycle aware" by double checking blind spots and looking twice before entering traffic.

Motorcycle riders are encouraged to drive defensively and wear high-visible clothing.

In 2009, there were 1,329 accidents statewide involving motorcycles. More than 85 percent of those crashes involved injuries and 47 were fatal for either the motorcyclist or passenger.

Police say a helmet can reduce the chances of head injuries.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)