Motorcycle fatalities have increased 35 percent over the last three years on Ohio's roads. With the beginning of another riding season, the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is kicking off a new campaign to reverse that trend.

Recently, Motorcycle Ohio (MO), part of ODPS' Ohio Traffic Safety Office, gathered with partners to kick off the Ride SMART motorcycle safety campaign, which will work to address all aspects of motorcycle safety including: Ride Sober. Ride Motorcycle Endorsed. Ride Alert. Use the Right Gear. Ride Trained. Ride SMART.

"We have seen a downward trend in overall fatalities on Ohio's roads," said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. "While this is positive, it is extremely concerning that motorcycle fatalities have increased. We must work to address areas that have seen increases in deaths and injuries to ensure we are keeping as many people as possible safe on Ohio's roads."

Components of the campaign include: distributing materials with safety messages at bars and establishments that host "Bike Nights," working with local law enforcement and the Ohio State Highway Patrol to identify areas to host additional training courses, piloting a motorcycle training course taught in Spanish, airing public service announcements with safety messages directed toward motorists and motorcyclists, funding high-visibility enforcement to discourage high-risk behaviors like drinking and riding, and working with as many partners as possible to get the word out to share the road and Ride SMART.