 |
|
|||
|
Accident Reconstruction News Article Motorcycle Safety Foundation Comments on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Fatalities and Injuries - 2004 Projections IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2005--In response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration early estimates of motor vehicle crashes released today ("Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Fatalities and Injuries - 2004 Projections"), the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (www.msf-usa.org) urged riders and motorists to take steps toward reducing motorcycle accidents and fatalities through motorist awareness, removing alcohol from the riding environment, taking an approved rider training course, and wearing proper protective gear when riding. MSF President Tim Buche said, "One fatality is one too many and we urge all roadway users to expect to see motorcyclists on the road and respect their right to be there." Buche added, "The motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities cannot be attributed to one clear cause. MSF supports the call for funding of a comprehensive government motorcycle crash causation study. Such an analysis could enable further significant gains in motorcycle safety by providing a better understanding of which safety countermeasures have been effective and what new countermeasures may be necessary to reduce future crashes and injuries. An updated in-depth crash investigation study is the only way to identify current crash causation factors." Motorist Awareness Every year, the month of May is set aside as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The focus of this special designation is on highway and traffic safety issues concerning motorcyclists, providing motorists an opportunity to become familiar with the motorcyclist's view of the highway, and raising roadway users' awareness of motorcyclists on the road. "Drivers, not motorcyclists, cause more than two-thirds of car-motorcycle crashes," Buche said. "The driver either does not see the motorcyclist, or sees them too late to avoid a crash. Working together, we can make a difference in reducing crashes and make motorists more aware of motorcycles on the road." To reach motorists, MSF recently developed and distributed a new motorist awareness public service announcement that has, to date, aired 743 times and has been viewed by more than 11 million people nationwide. In addition, MSF asks states to evaluate their driver education curriculum to ensure that defensive driving as well as awareness of motorcycles and other vulnerable roadway users is adequately addressed. Later this year, MSF will release an updated version of its Common Road video, which schools can use to reinforce their traffic safety message. Alcohol According to the current NHTSA report, 34 percent of motorcyclists in all types of crashes were under the influence of alcohol. In addition, prior data from NHTSA ("Motorcycle Riders in Fatal Crashes" - June 2004) show that alcohol is still a factor in over half of all single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. MSF continues to implore motorcyclists to separate the activities of drinking and riding and offers training and education activities to create safety awareness. The MSF Riding Straight Module, featuring the Innocorp Ltd. Fatal Vision® Simulator Goggles, is an educational package for use by MSF-certified RiderCoaches, motorcycle clubs and other groups to encourage participants and peers to separate the activities of drinking and riding. Education and Training The MSF calls upon all riders, and prospective riders, to seek training and to recognize that there is always value in skill improvement to make their motorcycling experience safer and more enjoyable. The MSF's Basic RiderCourse(SM) (BRC) was first implemented in March of 2001 and has now been adopted by 47 states and all branches of the Armed Services. The BRC introduced research-based, adult learning principles into rider education that have revolutionized the connection between RiderCoaches(SM) and students and have greatly improved the learning process. The Experienced RiderCourse (ERC) Suite is a set of three distinct MSF RiderCourses that are taught by MSF-certified RiderCoaches and designed for motorcyclists who possess basic skills. New training aids released in April 2005 include three videos: Controls, Ready to Ride, and Under the Influence. A new standalone classroom training module, Seasoned Rider, due to be released in late summer of 2005, addresses the special needs of mature and re-entry riders and includes an all-new classroom training video. In addition, MSF recently launched its new ScooterSchool 1 RiderCourse for entry-level riders in this popular market segment. MSF plans to continue to develop and release new training opportunities for motorcyclists as part of its expanding Rider Education and Training System(SM). More courses will also aid the nation's rider training programs in meeting the challenge of fulfilling the unmet demand of motorcyclists who are seeking knowledge and skills training. Since its inception in 1973, MSF has supported state, military and independent programs in training approximately three million motorcyclists to ride safely. The number of students trained has grown steadily including an estimated increase of almost 10 percent in 2004 versus 2003. There were an estimated 300,000 RiderCourse participants in 2003. Protective Gear Most activities have their own suitable protective gear and equipment, and motorcycling is no exception. Protective gear has two basic purposes: comfort and protection from the elements. In the event of a crash, protective gear will help prevent or reduce injuries. MSF educational materials and training emphasize that every rider and passenger should wear a full complement of protective gear which includes: over-the-ankle footwear, long pants, a long-sleeved jacket, full-fingered motorcycle gloves, and a helmet manufactured to meet DOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) standards. MSF Key Recommendations Observations from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) point to key issues of safety concern for motorcyclists: alcohol, rider skill, licensing, protective gear, and other roadway users. These issues are the basis for MSF's long-standing safety recommendations to motorcyclists, which are: 1. Get trained and licensed. MSF Mission Statement To make motorcycling safer and more enjoyable by ensuring access to lifelong quality education and training for current and prospective riders, and by advocating a safer riding environment. About MSF Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourse(SM) locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org. Contact: Source: Motorcycle Safety Foundation ### |
|||
|
ARC NETWORK QUICK LINKS
|
||||
