May Marks Motorcycle Awareness Month
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JACKSON, Tenn.-The Motorcycle Awareness Foundation started back in 2007. The state provides $50,000 a year. The goal is to make drivers aware of motorcyclists. So far this year 19 motorcyclists have been killed here in Tennessee. According to the foundation, overall, Maryville and Clarksville drivers are the worst offenders to motorcyclists. Here in West Tennessee, Memphis ranks the worst followed by Jackson. Jim Henderson rides every day. He is also one of the teachers. “I love teaching these kids. I really do and I love to ride. My wife tells me all the time, be careful and come home to me,” said Henderson. Cindy Davidson started the foundation soon after she was involved in a motorcycle accident and the driver was only given a small fine. “The most common statement said at any motorcycle accident is, “but officer I didn’t see him” and it’s true because they are not trained to spot the vehicle,” said Davidson. Intersections are the most common spots for a motorcycle crash. The class teaches the importance of looking twice both ways for oncoming motorcycles and allowing four seconds following distance between you and the motorcycle. “If people can can start learning to watch for a motorcycle there are going to see pedestrians and bicycles easier too,” said Davidson. As of this year, more than 10,000 people have attended the class. Classes are free and open to the public. There will be a class May 16 at Liberty-Tech High School and a class May 17 at South Side High School.
