The Connecticut state police have released a list of tips for motorcycle safety month. 

A special permit or operator’s license is required to operate a motorcycle and all motorcyclists are urged to obtain training and take refresher courses, the state police news release states.

State troopers recommend that motorcyclists wear a helmet manufactured to standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Connecticut law requires motorcyclists wear eye protection. Wearing leather pants, gloves, boots and a jacket offers protection in the case of a fall, and reflective clothing is also recommended. Motorcyclists should never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Motorcyclists should use extra caution at intersections and never drive in an operator’s blind spots. Motorcyclists must anticipate movements more than drivers of four-wheeled vehicles and be more cautious when riding in inclement weather, on slippery surfaces, or when encountering obstacles on the roadway.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that about 5,000 motorcycle operators and hundreds of motorcycle passengers lose their lives in accidents each year in the United States. These numbers account for about 13 percent of total traffic fatalities, even though motorcycles account for just three percent of all registered vehicles.

The state troopers also urge motor vehicle operators to take precautions, including being extra cautious on weekends when more motorcyclists are on the road. Operators should provide motorcyclists adequate room to maneuver and leave a reasonable distance, following at least three to four seconds behind the motorcycle or vehicle in front.

Operators should allow extra maneuvering room in areas with potholes, pavement transitions and railroad crossings.

Motorcycles have the same right to roadway lanes as any other vehicle. If a motorcycle is near, operators should check their mirrors carefully before changing lanes. Motorcycles may be in blind spots or difficult to see because of their smaller size.