SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Who can forget that September day last year when 12 brave strangers risked their lives to save a motorcyclist pinned beneath a car? Well, today Brandon Wright says that accident could've been avoided had everyone involved been more aware about motorcycle safety.
The scene of that accident is one many of us will never forget.
"I think about the wreck almost every day," said Wright.
Well, now Brandon is giving back. Today, he was in downtown Salt Lake City promoting May as motorcycle safety awareness month and the "Drive Aware. Ride Aware." campaign. The "Drive Aware. Ride Aware." program is a statewide campaign focused on reducing injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists by promoting sharing the road and rider training.
"If we can save a life or prevent some injury then this is definitely worth it," said Wright.
There are about 1,200 motorcyclists in crashes every year in Utah, and in 2011, there were 28 motorcyclists killed in Utah. That's up from 21 deaths in 2010. If not for the heroic efforts of people teaming up, there might have been 29.
"You've got to ride defensively," Wright added. "You have to be aware all the time. You're taking your life into your own hands."
So, here's a question for all the riders out there, do you trust drivers on the road?
"No," said Michael Gallegos, who's been riding for 42 years.
"About every third time I get on my motorcycle," said Allan Woods, when asked how many close calls he's had. Woods has been riding for 35 years.
But let's not forget, this is a team effort, from the motorcyclists to those of us behind the wheel.
"If everybody would watch out for motorcycles accidents would not happen," said Gallegos.
"As for us motorcyclists, we need to pay more attention, too," said Woods. "It's not always the cage driver's fault."
"My accident was definitely an avoidable accident," said Wright. "It's a shame it happened but it did happen."
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