 The Leading Edge - Winter 2007
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In this Issue...
Welcome to the Winter 2007 issue of The Leading Edge, the SMSA's official newsletter.
The SMSA would like to apologize for missing their scheduled issue of the Leading Edge on October 1, 2006. We hope this issue will provide you with valuable information to keep you up-to-date with SMSA activities and other articles of interest.
Is there something you would like to see included in The Leading Edge? If so, send it our way: LeadingEdge@smsa.org.
We look forward to receiving your feedback!
RiderCoach credits “crash course” training received at 2006 SMSA Conference with saving her life.
Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo from Accident Scene Management received the following testimonial after the 2006 SMSA conference in Austin, Texas.
Austin Texas – One week after the 2006 SMSA conference:
Tuesday after the conference, I was going to surprise my daughter and have lunch with her at school. I was going to drive my van but chose the bike instead. The road I work on and my daughters school is located on is one of the most dangerous in Austin. There is heavy construction, lanes merging down to two narrow lanes with barricades on both sides.
As I crossed the railroad tracks, I heard the signal go off behind me. Then I saw one 18-wheeler slowing to stop for the tracks and another about ½ mile up the road that was not slowing down. He never noticed the signals went off. He only responded when the two lanes going westbound suddenly cut to one. I did everything I know to be right as a RiderCoach. Apparently I did it right as I walked away from playing chicken with an 18-wheeler with one broken bone in my left foot. The second truck slammed into the truck in front of him so hard the first truck ended up just shy of the tracks. The second truck spun off the first truck and came flying at me. He clipped my engine guard and drug me down the guardrail a bit. Having done some stunt-work in the past, I just kept all my body parts in and went along for a ride. As he cleared my bike, part of the back of his truck caught my rear fender and pulled my bike over. The damage to my bike is minimal.
It was skill and God’s grace that I’m here today. Had I taken the van that day, I would have had nowhere to go. The point of impact would have been my body. By the time the truck came to a stop, he would have torn through me, my entire van and still traveled quite a distance. Needless to say, I can’t get back on my bike fast enough. It saved my life!!!
Because of the ‘crash course’ you and your husband gave, I not only was able to handle the crash site, but I was able to collect evidence that the police may not have.
Thank you both for the information you offered. Things could have been very different for me. I plan to get into the training and get my certification. I was stoked before, but now… I’M ON A MISSION!
 --“Thumper”
The above correspondence has been edited slightly for printing purposes.
SMSA creating Professional Development Workshops with funding from NHTSA
SMSA has a Cooperative Agreement Award with NHTSA, providing funding for us to develop six Professional Development Workshops (PDW) for the next three years. Our intent is to create three PDWs that are focused to the state administrator and three PDWs that are focused on the rider coach.
Developing the PDWs is being coordinated through the Traffic Safety Institute (TSI) in Oklahoma City. We have assembled some excellent subject matter experts from around the country who have graciously volunteered their time for this project. They are:
- Carol Thurn – North Dakota
- Dave Surgenor, Pennsylvania
- Jim Heideman, Motorcycle Safety Foundation
- Ron Thompson, Wisconsin
- Ken Kiphart, Nevada
- Sean Maher, American Motorcyclist Association
- Art Hill – Ohio
- Michael Jordan – NHTSA
We had our first face-to-face meeting at TSI the week of November 13, 2006. It turned out to be quite a work session, with everyone dividing up the sections and developing pieces of the overall PDW curriculum. We have our second meeting scheduled for the week of March 5, 2007, in Oklahoma City. We have a field test scheduled for April, and will definitely have some dynamic PDWs for all of you.
This year’s PDWs will be:
For the administrator “Grassroots Efforts to Reduce Impaired Riding.” This PDW will be presented on Friday August 17, 2007 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
For the rider coaches, there will be four mini-PDWs lasting 75 minutes. These mini-PDWs will start on Friday August 17, 2007 and continue into Saturday. They are as follows:
- Motorcycle Issues – (motorcycle maintenance while on the range)
- Coaching on the Range
- Adult Learning Principles
- Challenging Situations
The mini-PDWs will have limited space so be sure to go to the SMSA website at www.smsa.org and sign up early to make sure you have a spot saved for you.
SMSA Represented on NTSB Forum Panels
By Chad Burns and Ron Thompson
Chad Burns (Georgia) and Ron Thompson (Wisconsin) represented their home states as well as the SMSA at the recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Motorcycle Safety Forum conducted at the NTSB Board room in Washington, D.C. on September 12 and 13, 2006. The NTSB sponsored the forum following three recent motorcycle crashes, one in New Hampshire and two in Pennsylvania where one involved quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
In her opening remarks, NTSB Member Debbie Hersman said “In order to support our work on the forum, we are investigating several accidents this summer. The Safety Board has launched or undertaken limited investigations into three accidents that occurred in June of this year. While almost all of you are familiar with the June 12 motorcycle crash involving Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, we are also investigating two lesser known, but significant, accidents that took place the day before. While we did not launch a team to the Roethlisberger accident, we did launch a team to a June 11th crash involving a motorcycle and a minivan in Linden, PA that killed five people. We are also conducting a limited investigation of an accident in Thornton, New Hampshire.”
“NTSB staff will lead technical discussions that will examine each major aspect of motorcycle safety. We will open the forum by seeking to more fully identify the scope of the problem. Researchers and experts from both the motorcycle industry and government will provide exposure data, crash data, crash causation studies, and different databases that cover motorcycle crashes.”
“We then will look at specific elements of motorcycle operations. First, motorcycle manufacturers will describe the latest in vehicle design developments aimed at reducing accidents, including motorcycle visibility, braking systems, and rider protection systems such as airbags. A leading emergency room physician will describe injury patterns that are typical of motorcycle accidents. We will hear a broad range of perspectives on rider protective equipment, including the types of protective equipment available, their effectiveness, and comfort. We will also explore current design standards and other regulations for protective equipment. Representatives from the motorcycle industry, motorcycle rider organizations, government, and others, will bring their perspectives and respond to questions from Safety Board investigators. We will also accept information as well as position papers from interested organizations.”
The forum was made up of one or two NTSB Members and support staff, several NTSB technical representatives and close to 180 in attendance, including about 30 presenters. Between 400-450 people watched the webcast each day of the forum. In total there were 6 panels representing various factions of the safety community.
Ron Thompson sat on the Rider Education and Licensing panel and explained to the Board and attendees about the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program and some of the differences between the various state programs, referencing several sections from the 2005 SMSA Annual Survey.
Chad Burns sat on the Public Information and Education panel and discussed both motorist and motorcyclist awareness efforts that have been implemented by state rider education and training programs. In addition, he discussed many of the problems associated with multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes.
To see the presentations, go to www.ntsb.gov and select public forums and symposia, then NTSB Motorcycle Safety Forum details, and finally web cast archives.
Highlights of the Motorcycle Safety Network Meeting
September 26, 2006, NHTSA, Washington, D.C.
In attendance in the meeting were representatives from NHTSA, FHWA, NTSB, AAMVA, AMA, American Honda, Harley-Davidson, MRF, MSF, SMSA, and Century Council.
- It was announced that Mary Peters is the Department of Transportation Administrator Designate.
- AAA is starting a Motorists’ Awareness Campaign.
- The crash causation study is on hold, pending matching funds from the contractor.
- For 2010 funds, 44 states and Puerto Rico received funding.
- The NAMS website is now active. It’s at www.ImplementNAMS.org. There is also an Implementation Guide for those people wanting to help with the recommendations.
- NTSB announced that the last day for public comments concerning their Public Forum on Motorcycle Safety is October 27, 2006.
- Lastly, the group decided to tackle some of the recommendations in the NAMS. The group picked the subjects of drinking and riding, and motorists awareness. Several members volunteered to participate in subcommittees to plan out a course of action.
The next meeting is January 25, 2007.
Ohio Motorcycle Safety Strategic Plan Unveiled
Summary:
Motorcycle crashes in Ohio have risen from 3,479 in 2000 to 4,155 in 2004 .
There were 124 motorcyclist fatalities in 2000, 672 motorcyclists have died since 2000 and Ohio's motorcycle fatalities are year-to-date 30 over the same time last year. Clearly, we must do something different than in the past to reverse this deadly trend.
Ohio, like the rest of NHTSA's Great Lake Region states, began investigating the rise in motorcycle crashes in 2004. In fall of 2004, Miami University conducted a telephone survey of Ohio motorcyclists to determine their view on a number of key safety issues. Motorcycle crash statistics have been analyzed to identify issues and crucial demographics that need to be addressed. Two meetings were convened with key stakeholders and a meeting with motorcycle dealer representatives in 2005 to provide input into the development of a plan that it is believed will impact the number and
severity of motorcycle crashes in the State.
This plan is data-driven and will take place over a three-year period.
Federal funds will be the primary funding source for the plan, although
several of the stakeholders have indicated that they will also commit
resources to assist in the plan 's implementation.
To review the Ohio Motorcycle Safety Strategic Plan, click here: http://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/plan.pdf
North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Program shares progress
North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Program (NDMSP) has seen a huge increase in the number of students being trained. The 2006 riding season had a total of 1726 students attend the NDMSP training. This is a huge number for North Dakota as we have a very short riding season.
ABATE of North Dakota manages the program for the state of North Dakota. They employed 23 rider coaches across the state during the 2006 season. A total of 197 classes were taught reaching 1,726 students.
NDMSP continued to promote May as “Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month” by integrating a motorcycle safety message into a traffic safety campaign for reaching the general motoring public with the “Look Twice, Save a Life” and “Share the Road” campaigns. We worked with Midcontinent Cable Communications and secured over $100,000 in local in-kind contributions to promote these campaigns.
We obtained and implemented two new training sites in ND. During the 2006 riding season we held a special IP Session to gain five rider coaches. With the addition of these rider coaches we were able to start a second mobile unit and we added an additional 20 new motorcycles to the fleet. The second mobile unit allowed us to teach an additional 150 students. We were able to work with the Army National Guard and integrated a pilot program for military personnel to meet their DOD requirements.
ABATE has continued to network with dealerships across the state. Open Houses and Safety Days were held at four of the major dealerships across the state. At these events, ABATE exhibited our NDMSP display and handed out information about the motorcycle safety courses.
Arizona Motorcycle Safety Program updates
The great state of Arizona is a great state for motorcycle riding. More people than ever before are choosing to ride motorcycles for many reasons. Ours is one of the states with a climate that encourages year-round riding for its residents, as well as attracting riders from all over the country and all over the world to enjoy our unique landscape, and some of the most beautiful roads and scenery anywhere. With the rising cost of gasoline motorcycles are becoming the vehicle of choice by those interested in saving some money at the gas pumps, as well as those interested in conserving the fuel we have by choosing to operate a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
The State Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council funds a publication for education. This publication is funded through a portion of motorcycle registrations to produce educational materials, offers a wealth of knowledge about safe riding- and driving-for both motorcyclists and motorists. We want everyone to enjoy our roads, so please….
- Motorists: look out for motorcyclists. Take extra care at intersections or whenever turning across traffic.
- Motorcyclists: do your part for safety by taking a rider training course, getting properly licensed, wear protective riding gear, and ride free from impairment.
Motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation for thousands of people across Arizona. The safe operation of a motorcycle requires the use of special skills developed through a combination of training and experience, the use of good judgment, and through knowledge of traffic laws and licensing requirements. It is also very important that motorists also share the road and be aware of motorcycles on our streets and highways.
To review a sample of the publication Arizona provides, go to the SMSA website at http://www.smsa.org/motorcycle_awareness/promotional_materials/campaigns/.
Arizona is a great state for motorcyclists… let’s all work together to make it a safe state for everyone.
2007 Call for Papers for Annual Conference – Due March 1, 2007
The National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA) is now accepting Call for Papers/Workshops for its 2007 Conference to be held August 18-19, 2007 in Buffalo, New York.
Please share this information with any presenters, instructors or individuals who might be interested in presenting a topic of interest to our membership at the August 2007 conference.
Click here for the 2007 Call for Papers proposal application.
Your Regional Representatives
Eastern Region
Mr. Chad Burns
(Term expires 8/2007)
Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program
5036 Highway 85
Forest Park, Georgia 30297-2405
Phone: 404-669-2950
Fax: 404-669-2986
Email: cburns@dds.ga.gov
www.gadmvs.com
Mr. Louie Kyler
(Term expires 8/2008)
Florida Rider Training Program
Division of Driver Licenses
2900 Apalachee Parkway, B-211, MS88
Orlando, Florida 32399-0571
Phone: 407-719-5022
Fax: 850-488-2683
Email: Louie.Kyler@hsmv.state.fl.us
www.motorcycle.hsmv.state.fl.us
Central Region
Mr. Robert Secrest
(Term expires 8/2007)
Motorcycle Ohio
P.O. Box 182081
Columbus, OH 43218-2081
Phone: 614-466-4041
or 1-800-83-RIDER (800-837-4337)
Fax: 614-728-8330
E-mail: bsecrest@dps.state.oh.us
www.state.oh.us/odps/mo
Mr. Ronald Thompson
(Term expires 8/2008)
Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program
4802 Sheboygan Ave., Room 551
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7936
Phone: 608-266-7855
Fax: 608-267-0441
Email: ron.thompson@dot.state.wi.us
Western Region
Ms. Carol Thurn
(Term expires 8/2008)
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Office of Traffic Safety
608 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
Phone: 701-328-4354
Fax: 701-328-2435
Email: cthurn@nd.gov
Ms. Michele Calvert
(Term expires 8/2007)
Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety
MSU-Northern
P.O. Box 7751
Havre, Montana 59501
Phone: 406-265-3565
1-800-922- BIKE
1-800-662-6132 ext. 3565
Fax: 406-265-3570
Email: mcalvert@msun.edu
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