The state of Virginia has just announced a new program aimed at providing motorcyclists prompt and proper care after an accident.  The program includes new "Rider Alert Cards" that will be placed inside the riders' helmet that contains medical information, emergency contacts and other pertinent information.  The goal is that first responders will have quicker access to this life saving information at the scene of the crash.  A sticker on the outer shell of the cyclists helmet will indicate that the biker has the alert card, which will be placed inside the helmet. The cards are not required as of yet, but could be at some point in the future.

While this might not be the end all be all for motorcycle safety, we applaud the state for taking strides to increase safety for cyclists.  Motorcycles make up only about 3% of the total motor vehicles on the road, motorcycle fatalities account for 11% of all highway fatalities each year.  Another troubling statistic is that while only 20% of auto accidents result in injury or death, over 80% of motorcycle accidents do.

If you are a motorcyclist, consider this program, and as always try to be safe and aware on the road.  Now that it is springtime there will be more motorcycles on the roads, and other drivers should try to be aware of cyclists as they are not the most visible vehicles on the road.