We have been working on a social media blitz about motorcycle safety. Usually, we start advocating this message in May, but with the unseasonably warm weather this year, we are seeing more cyclists out on the roadways.
Unfortunately 2012 has already shown a spike in motorcycle-related crashes with a 69 percent increase from 2011 for the same time period. For this reason, we have decided to utilize our best asset for reaching the public – social media. With over 40,000 followers on Facebook©, 2,900 followers on Twitter© and an active YouTube©, Flickr© and Blogger© account, the agency plans to blast out motorcycle safety messaging via these platforms.
Our main goal is to increase driver recognition of motorcycles in traffic, while at the same time encouraging cyclists to engage in the overall safe operation of their bikes.
We are encouraging motorcyclists to wear safety gear including gloves, boots, jacket an approved DOT helmet.
KSP will offer a free three-hour motorcycle safety seminar on May 17, 2012, taught by a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach.
We will host our 5th Annual 'Motorcycle Safety Awareness Day' on Friday, June 22, 2012 here at headquarters in Frankfort. This is always a great day with cyclists from across the state attending to participate in a police escorted ride through scenic Kentucky. We also have safety exhibits and motorcycle vendors set up and an awesome smoked barbecue!
For more information about the KSP ‘Motorcycle Safety Day’ program or the free motorcycle safety clinic please contact the Kentucky State Police at (502) 782-1780.
If you are interested in checking out the KSP social media sites, you can click on the following links:
KSP Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-State-Police/103979825675
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kystatepolice
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kentuckystatepolice/
KSP Website: http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/
