BISMARCK, N.D. (NDDOT) – No matter how long you’ve been riding a motorcycle, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) and American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) of North Dakota recommend riders of all experience levels to register for a rider safety course this summer.

A rider course helps build good instincts and keeps skills sharp. It teaches riders to make the right choices with speed, lane location and watching surroundings. Riders will learn the importance of taking personal responsibility on the roadways by wearing All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT).

In North Dakota in 2020, 93% of all reported motorcycle crashes resulted in injury or death. Speed, alcohol and lane departure were the most frequent contributing factors in all fatal motorcycle crashes.

“If you’ve been riding a long time or put on a lot of miles, it might be easy to become laid back with your actions and take in too much of the scenery. The class will remind you to scan the road in front of you and be prepared for hazards that may come your way,” said Lonnie Bertsch of ABATE. “If you’re a novice rider, this course will teach you to search, evaluate and execute, which are basic tips to prepare you for the ride.”

Basic and experienced rider courses are offered across the state throughout the summer. Information on motorcycle safety courses can be found at http://ndmsp.com.

Preliminary crash fatalities in 2021 are trending higher than previous years with 26 fatalities as of April 27, making this campaign a vital part of the Vision Zero strategy to eliminate motor vehicle crash fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.

Learn more about motorcycle safety and how ATGATT and rider safety courses saved the lives of local motorcyclists at VisionZero.ND.gov.