May is motorcycle awareness month, and MoDOT is encouraging motorists and motorcyclists to safely share the road. Motorists should watch for motorcycles and be extra alert to help keep them safe, while motorcyclists should make themselves visible to other motorists. There were 276 motorcyclists killed in Missouri from 2010-2012. “We’re seeing more and more motorcycles on the highways,” said Leanna Depue, chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety’s executive committee. “Drivers of all vehicles need to be extra attentive. A motorcycle is one of the smallest vehicles on tour roads, often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. ”Very often, drivers of cars and trucks don’t see motorcycles until the last second, and sometimes, not at all, Depue said. Motorcycle operators have to anticipate the moves of other drivers and be extra cautious of road conditions and debris. “Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too,” Depue said. “They should follow rules of the road, be alert to other drivers, never ride while impaired or distracted, and always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet and other protective gear. ”Motorcycle experts recommend motorcyclists also complete some type of training before getting out on the road. There are 29 training locations in Missouri. Visit www.mmsp.org for locations of motorcycle training centers. For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com MotorcycleAP