Alabama Department of
REPLY MAY BE MADE TO
Headquar ter s
Post Office Box 1511
Montgomery, Alabama 36102 - 1511
Dr iver L icense
Post Office Box 1471
Montgomery, Alabama 36102 - 1471
March 2011
A Message to Alabama’s Motorcyclists:
Thousands of Alabama motorists choose each day to travel by motorcycle, sharing
roadways with a variety of other vehicles. To ensure everyone’s safety, the Department of
Public Safety encourages motorcyclists to study and understand the material found in this
manual.
You should be aware that all the basic rules of the road in Alabama’s traffic code apply to
motorcycles, in addition to laws that apply specifically to motorcyclists.
It’s also important to note that as a motorcyclist, you will encounter other vehicles, and
most of them are larger than your motorcycle. When it comes to crashes, you are more
likely to sustain serious or fatal injuries − no matter who is a fault.
Please keep the following facts in mind as you take to the highways:
• The failure of most motorists to see motorcyclists in traffic is a major cause of
motorcycle crashers;
• Approximately 50 percent of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, and
almost 40 percent involve a motor vehicle turning left into the path of a motorcycle;
• High-visibility clothing, especially yellow, will help reduce crash involvement;
• Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely than
passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.
The Department of Public Safety encourages all motorcyclists to take the time to review the
material in this manual and the Alabama Driver Manual, and to observe all traffic laws to
ensure safety.
Sincerely,
Hugh B. McCall
Director
