MAY IS MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

Iowans are concerned about motorcycle safety because motorcycle fatalities have nearly doubled in the past five years while other vehicle fatalities have declined. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, more than 120,000 motorcyclists have died in traffic accidents since the enactment of the Highway Safety and National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.

Commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety Kevin W. Techau states, "With increased interest in motorcycling across the nation, and in Iowa, the Department of Public Safety wants to remind the motoring public to be aware of increased motorcycle traffic, we urge motorists to be on the look out for motorcycles when traveling Iowa roadways."

FACTS:
Why is this issue important?

• Over the past four years, Iowa motorcycle fatalities have increased 70% from 30 in 2000 to 51 in 2003.
• Since 1999, U.S. motorcycle fatalities have increased over 50%, totaling more than 3,200 in 2002.
• Two-thirds of all motorcycle/passenger vehicle crashes involve passenger vehicle operator error.
• Preliminary numbers show 56% of all 2003 Iowa fatal motorcycle crashes involved excess speed or speed too fast for conditions on the part of the motorcycle operator - 35% of motorcycle operators tested positive for alcohol or other drugs.
• Iowa's motocycle riding population is aging. Ten years ago, 33% of all licensed motorcycle operators were age 45 or older. Today, 59% of those operators are 45 or older.
• Ocer 90% of Iowa's motorcycle fatality victims were not wearing a safety helmet.

EVENTS: (DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT INDIVIDUALS LISTED BELOW FOR INTERVIEWS)

As part of the effort to raise public awareness of motorcycles, their safe operation and their use by well over 200,000 Iowans, motocycle clubs and their local districts and chapters sponsor a number of rides or rallies. Listed below are some of these events being held during May:

STORIES:

Many motorcyclists have powerful stories to share regarding their riding experiences. These stories include crash avoidance, crash involvement and even tragedies involving other riders, some of which could have been prevented with a few simple safety precautions. Deer/Motorcycle crashes resulted in four motorcyclist fatalities last year. One person who survived a deer/motorcycle crash is:

Steve Rector, A.B.A.T.E. Coordinator for Iowa.
Phone: (641) 858-5001

or

Duane and Soundra Rippel
601 Bishop Drive
LaPorte, Iowa 50651
Phone: (319) 342-3285
iagwmec@netins.net

PARTNERS: People in the Know

Many groups, organizations and individuals have an interest in motorcycle safety. Listed below are some organizations that have direct involvement with this issue.

WEB ADDRESSES:

For Motorcycle Facts:
Iowa GTSB: http://www.state.ia.us/government/dps/gtsb/gtsft_7.htm
Iowa DOT: http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ods/facts00/mc.pdf
NHTSA: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-30/NCSA/TSF2002/2002mcyfacts.pdf

For More Information regarding events and educational classes:
Iowa DOT: http://www.dot.state.ia.us/mvd/ods/index.htm (See Motorcycle Rider Education Program)
A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa: http://www.abateiowa.org (See Events - District Events)
Gold Wing Road Riders Association: http://www.gwrra-iowaorg/events.cfm
Motorcycle Safety Brochure: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/media/2004/MotorcycleSafetyBrochure.pdf