SMSA - The Leading Edge

Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program Assessment
By Ron Thompson

In preparation for my retirement, the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program (WMSP) requested a program assessment through the NHTSA Region V office.  It was felt this would be an especially important “road map” for my replacement.  Based on the approval of that request, on Sunday November 11, 2007, the assessment team assembled at the Crowne Plaza in Madison, Wisconsin in preparation of doing a second assessment of the WMSP.  The first assessment was done in November of 1999.  The current assessment team was made up of Terry Butler, Andrew Krajewski, Robert Reichenberg, Carl Spurgeon and Carol Montoya and was the same team that did the first assessment. The basis of the assessment is the Motorcycle Safety Program Guidelines located on the NHTSA website.

  Uniform Guidelines for State Highway Safety Programs

During Monday through noon on Wednesday November 12-16, 2007, over 65 presenters came in and spoke regarding activities in their portion of the WMSP.  There was great discussion between the presenters and the assessment team on what was transpiring in the state. After the Assessment Team deliberations on Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday, recommendations were presented to the WMSP staff on Friday morning.  Below is the summary of some of the Major Recommendations:

• Develop a data-driven strategic plan.

• Create an electronic monitoring and reporting system to allow effective tracking of licensing, RiderCoach certifications, licensing skill waivers and other data critical to operating and managing the licensing process and rider training effort.

• Allow the license waiver to be issued for the completion of an intermediate training course.

• Evaluate the permit and licensing systems and implement procedures to ensure that they encourage individuals to complete the licensing process.

• Revise the Wisconsin Motorcyclists’ Handbook to include information specific to the critical skills needed to operate a motorcycle in Wisconsin.

• Create a consistent skill test for use in rider training and by the DMV to issue Class M licenses.

• Develop a long-range plan for ongoing training to develop the Lead RiderCoach Cadre as RiderCoach mentors and quality control specialists.

• Develop a cadre of training specialists to assist the limited number of trainers in expanding the quality control program.

• Develop standards and methodology to annually evaluate the effectiveness of the rider training program.

• Capitalize on the enthusiasm, expertise, and passion of Wisconsin’s law enforcement agencies to continue developing and implementing impaired riding efforts.

• Capitalize on the good relationships with motorcycle groups to encourage self-policing and a philosophy of zero tolerance to drinking and riding.

• Expand overtime enforcement grants during special motorcycle events.  Evaluate the effectiveness based on statistical data.

• Develop and distribute information on the design, installation and operation of traffic signal sensors.

• Develop a comprehensive communications plan that meets the criteria for 2010 funding.

• Create evaluation instruments to objectively measure the effectiveness of programs, activities, events and countermeasure initiatives and their impact on motorcycle safety.

It is highly recommend that state programs that have not done an assessment to start planning.  Don’t be threatened by an assessment.  Look at it as an opportunity to find out how to improve your program, not what’s “wrong” with it.   An assessment is a great learning opportunity.  The final report is a very important and effective tool to present to decision makers to improve and enhance your program.

  STATE OF WISCONSIN MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT

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