INDIANAPOLIS — With more beautiful, warm weather settling in across central Indiana more and more motorcyclists are taking to the roads.
Motorcycles are involved in about 2 percent of crashes but account for almost 13 percent of all Indiana traffic deaths. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles wants to raise awareness on programs you can take to better your skills on the roads.
"I grew up with my dad riding," Jenna Brown, with Ride Safe Indiana, said. "I grew up riding in the back so I was always interested. As fun as it is to ride a motorcycle, it comes with a lot of responsibility."
Brown gained experience through Ride Safe Indiana's motorcycle safety course providers.
"I think the most important thing I've learned is be aware of your surroundings," Brown said.
Data shows that with multiple-vehicle crashes, the biker was at fault 40 percent of the time. Brown said it is important for both riders and drivers to pay attention.
"Always look more than once and double check those blind spots," Brown said.
Officials with the BMV said proper safety gear is essential for motorcycle safety.
"Wearing a long sleeve shirt, a helmet, gloves, boots that cover your ankles so that if something happens you're protected," BMV Commissioner Peter Lacy said.
There are 18 locations across Indiana that provide these safety classes from basic level to advanced.
"When you're doing the safety classes you're on a closed range so there's no other traffic no other environment like we're going to show you here today," Lacy said. "You're able to practice those things before you're in a real world situation."
Brown said she has seen some close calls but the classes have made her more alert and prepared while riding.
"As a rider it's your responsibility to do your best to make yourself known and seen on the roads," Brown said.
