CHAMPAIGN- Two motorcycle crashes in one day have riders thinking about safety. Trends show high gas prices have more people trading in their cars for motorcycles but that comes with an added danger driving.
     The free motorcycle rider courses at the U of I is teaching new and experienced riders just that.
    They give bikers a list of safety tips before they ever hop on a motorcycle . Riders are given helmets and taught the basics from the very beginning. You have to put down 20 dollars to hold your spot in the class but once you complete you get that money back. Instructors say if you learn to ride at home from family and friends, you're going to miss things. A big lesson they focus on when you hop on a motorcycle you're taking a chance.
    Instructor, Craig Weidler said, "One of the first things we go over is accepting the risk that you are vulnerable, you don't have that cage around you have in a car and consequences for a bad decision can be much greater."
    50-percent of motorcycle accidents are alcohol related. So no drinking and driving is the number one thing instructors teach.    
    You ask any motorcycle driver and they'll tell you once you're on a bike you become part of a bigger family so to keep their hobby alive and keeping bikers safe is key.
For more information on the course, click here. or call 1-800-252-3348