Sen. Patty Ritchie’s bill that she says will improve the safety of roadways by adding motorcycle awareness training to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) mandatory, pre-licensing courses has been signed into law.

Under the measure a motorcycle safety and awareness component will be added to the current five hour pre-licensing class required for those looking to become a new driver. In addition, the current written driver’s exam will now be required to include questions on motorcycle safety.

“Motorcycles have become increasingly popular throughout New York State. It’s important that all drivers—new or experienced—not only understand that they are sharing our roadways with motorcycles, but also drive in a responsible manner that respects motorcyclists,” Ritchie said. “Requiring new drivers to take this upgraded training will only enhance the safety of everyone on our roadways.”

The New York state DMV says that motorcycle crashes often occur because of the failure of other drivers’ awareness of motorcycle traffic on the road. DMV statistics show that an average of 1,558 people a year are hospitalized in motorcycle-related accidents. Those statistics also show that 141 people die in motorcycle-related crashes each year, Ritchie says.

“While even one death is one too many, that number has gone down nearly 33 percent in just six years, thanks in part to the increased safety requirements and raised awareness,” Ritchie says.