Sheriff Clarke: "Put the phone down" and watch for bikers

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, but with hints of warmer weather, many riders are already hitting the road.

Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke is reminding drivers to be aware of their surroundings when sharing the road with bikers.

Drivers should give bikers as much room as other cars, check mirrors and blind spots often, and use turn signals when changing lanes.

Sheriff Clarke says most importantly, people need to stop using their phones while driving.

"Every time I see a driver with a phone in one hand and the other on the steering wheel I say to myself 'there goes a dumb person using a smartphone.' Look, put the damn phone down and drive before you kill somebody," Sheriff Clarke said.

Motorcyclists also have road responsibilities. You should be properly licensed and endorsed before riding.

CLICK HERE for additional information on motorcycle safety.