Picture and schedule as posted on Supercross.com.  TV Schedule from CycleNews.com.

In the majority of traffic accidents involving motorcycles, the driver of the motorcycle was not at fault, rather the driver of the vehicle did not see the motorcycle. It’s very important for the motorcycle rider to make sure that he or she is visible to the other drivers on the road in every situation.

You also have to realize that the same rules and safety standards apply to motorcyclists while they are on road, and they are not exempt from the same responsible driving that others are subject to.

One misconception is that is safe for motorcycles to ride side by side, which is actually not very safe at all and should be avoided if at all possible. Riders should keep to a staggered or single file formation instead of riding side by side which is never safe.

You should make an effort to wear safety goggles or glasses each and every time you ride your motorcycle, no matter how short or long the ride may be. You never know when something could get into your eye while driving down the road.

Motorcycle helmets are also very important because they help protect your head from any injuries that could occur during an impact resulting from a crash. The thicker the helmet, the more protection it is going to offer.

As far as clothing goes, you’ll want to wear items that help protect you when you’re riding in all types of conditions. Leather jackets, chaps, and boots can help keep you warm in cool riding conditions, and rain gear can keep you dry in wet riding conditions. If you’re going to be traveling during the night, be sure to wear clothing that has some sort of reflective material so that others can see you well.

A lot of accidents occur because of the conditions of the roadways that are traveled. Many times roads can be in poor condition as a result of harsh weather conditions, or excess usage, which makes travel more treacherous for motorcyclists. Objects in the road are also a problem since the motorcycle is much less stable than other vehicles, and running over large objects can cause accidents much easier. It’s important that you pay attention to the conditions of the roadways you are traveling, and also be aware of any objects that may be in your path of travel.

Riding your motorcycle can be an enjoyable pastime, but can also be a dangerous activity if the proper safety precautions are not taken. Make sure you are protecting yourself as much as possible, and that you drive with the highest level of alertness so that you may enjoy your ride to its fullest.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s crash fatality rate dropped last year to the lowest rate on record. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides details on that statistic and much more in its Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2009, which is now available online. The report summarizes data that state and local law enforcement agencies submit to DHSMV.

“The report shows that we are moving toward the Department’s vision of a safer Florida,” said DHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones. “While multiple factors influence the numbers, the declining trends are a testament to the emphasis that law enforcement agencies, safety advocates and businesses have placed on saving lives on our roadways. DHSMV will continue to work with our safety partners to add to the momentum we have gained in recent years so that we continue to see crashes, deaths and injuries decline in years to come.”

Some positive trends the report highlights include:

• Crash-related fatalities on Florida roadways decreased 14 percent between 2008 and 2009, from 2,983 to 2,563. This is the fourth consecutive year that traffic fatalities have decreased.
• The number of deaths per 100 million miles traveled dropped to 1.3 last year — the lowest the state has ever reported. As a note of comparison, the rate was 5.8 deaths per 100 million miles 40 years ago.
• Alcohol-related traffic fatalities fell by 14 percent between 2008 and 2009 from 1,169 to 1,004.
• Motorcycle fatalities (drivers and passengers) dove 24 percent between 2008 and 2009 from 532 to 402.
• Bicyclist and passenger fatalities decreased 15 percent between 2008 and 2009 from 118 to 100.
• Pedestrian fatalities decreased four percent between 2008 and 2009 from 502 to 482.
• Fatalities of teen drivers and passengers, ages 15-19, fell significantly by more than 20 percent between 2008 and 2009 from 193 to 153. Teen drivers continue to over represent in terms of crash frequency, posting the highest rate of crash involvement of any age cohort at 381 per 10,000 licensed drivers.

A complete copy of the Traffic Crash Statistics Report 2009 is available atwww.flhsmv.gov/html/safety.html under Traffic Crash Facts. The website also provides the report from previous years.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visitwww.flhsmv.gov.

Following a VIP tour and brunch, the noon ribbon-cutting ceremony officially ushered in a new era at the Hall of Fame.

“Our main-floor gallery takes the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to a new level,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We are shining a spotlight on the incredible men and women who have shaped the history of motorcycling. Their stories are as inspiring as they are fascinating, and help visitors and fellow motorcyclists fully appreciate the sport and lifestyle of motorcycling.”

The new main floor gallery features eight areas, each representing a segment of motorcycling for which men and women are inducted into the Hall of Fame: Ambassadors and Industry, Design and Engineering, Dirt-Track, Leadership and Rights, Motocross and Supercross, Off-Road, Roadracing and Specialty Competition. Each area tells the story of a specific Hall of Fame member.

Introduction of the new gallery was accompanied by another Hall of Fame first: the opening of an exhibit showcasing 30 years of significant Honda motorcycles manufactured in Marysville, Ohio.

“I am deeply honored to represent the many Honda associates who manufactured some of the world’s greatest motorcycles here in Ohio for 30 years,” said Jan Gansheimer, the purchasing division manager for Honda of America Mfg., who served as plant manager of the Marysville Motorcycle Plant from 2007 to 2009.

The event marks the beginning of a full weekend of activities at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 9-11 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Long-hailed as the largest motorcycle swap meet in North America, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days also features a full slate of activities that includes vintage motorcycle racing, a vendor midway and seminars conducted by industry notables. The 2010 Marque of the Year is Husqvarna, and racing legend Malcolm Smith will be on hand as this year’s grand marshal. Smith is a multi-time off-road champion who was catapulted to fame after appearing in the 1970s film “On Any Sunday” with actor and fellow motorcyclist Steve McQueen.

“Today’s Hall of Fame event was the perfect kickoff for this weekend’s activities,” explained Jeffrey Heininger, acting chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the organization responsible for raising funds for the non-profit Hall of Fame. “All proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the Hall of Fame, which in turn helps us preserve and promote the tremendous legacy of motorcycling for future generations.”