MOTORCYCLE A motorcycle is commonly defined as any vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the operator designed to travel on at least two, and not more than three, wheels in contact with the ground, on public highways, excluding farm tractors.
A RISE IN MOTORCYCLE RIDER FATALITIES SINCE 2000 May be attributed to the following factors: An increase in the number of motorcyclists More miles ridden per rider Unlicensed operators Returning operators (those who have not ridden but have maintained a motorcycle endorsement) Declines in helmet use Alcohol involvement
Note Decrease over past two years FARS
100 92 FARS
Texas FARS 2010
MOTORCYCLE FATALITY FACTS About twice as many motorcycle operators in fatal crashes do not have a valid license compared to passenger car operators. Per million vehicle miles traveled in 2009, motorcyclists were about 26.5 times more likely to die in a crash and 5.3 times more likely to be injured than passenger car occupants. In 2009, 2,062 (46%) of all motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes collided with another motor vehicle in transport. Motorcycle operators are more likely to be involved in fatal collisions with fixed objects than any other vehicle operators. NHTSA
MOTORCYCLING IN TEXAS You must have a valid license to operate a motorcycle, scooter, or moped on Texas roadways. Operators must pass a written test covering traffic laws pertaining to motorcycles, as well as a road test. (The road test can be waived in certain circumstances.) Texas law requires that everyone must pass The Course for Motorcycle Riders to qualify for a motorcycle driver s license. In addition, minors 15 to 17 years of age must also take a Drivers License road test.
The Course for Motorcycle Riders Did you know that riders with training crash less often and survive more often (when they do crash) than untrained riders? And they fared better than riders that were trained by a friend or relative. Everyone (not just those under the age of 18) is required to take The Course for Motorcycle Riders to qualify for a motorcycle driver s license.
The Basic RiderCourse The Basic RiderCourse is for new or inexperienced riders, and all riders wanting to improve their skills and have more fun riding. During The Course you ll learn how to gear up for safety and you ll practice maneuvering strategies for getting out of dangerous situations and avoiding them in the first place.
The Experienced RiderCourse Aimed at experienced motorcyclists, the Experienced RiderCourse teams you with other riders. Everyone brings their own ride, gear, and experiences to class. You ll learn advanced techniques for avoiding and surviving dangerous conditions, including high-speed maneuvering, traction control, and emergency braking.
Sign up for The Course To find a course near you: Call 1-800-292-5787, or Contact us at http://www.looklearnlive.org/contact/ use use the form on the site, or Email DPS/MSU directly, or Search the list of course locations at http://www.looklearnlive.org/learn/course-locations-browsethe-list/ or visit the DPS Motorcycle /ATV Safety Training Unit Locations at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/traininglocations.asp
A prereview of how to stay alive Apply effective mental strategies Be Visible Dress for Safety Do not Drink and Ride
Apply effective mental strategies: Constantly search the road for changing conditions. Use MSF s Search, Evaluate, Execute strategy (SEE) to increase time and space safety margins.
Apply effective mental strategies: Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists actions. Give other motorists time and space to respond to you. Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible. Watch for turning vehicles.
Apply effective mental strategies: Signal your next move in advance. Avoid weaving between lanes. Pretend you re invisible, and ride extra defensively. Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit.
Be Visible: Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time. Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night. Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping. If a motorist doesn t see you, don t be afraid to use your horn.
Dress for safety: Wear a quality helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet. Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing. Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves. Remember the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.
Motorcyclists who die in crashes are 2.5 times more likely to have consumed alcohol than vehicle drivers. Motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes have higher intoxication rates than any other type of motor vehicle driver. looklearnlive.org
38% of riders killed in fatal crashes were legally intoxicated. 46% of all riders killed in fatal crashes had some level of alcohol in their blood. 41% of motorcyclists killed in single vehicle crashes were legally intoxicated. Alcohol involved crashes are preventable. Don t Drink and Ride
You increase your chances of dying in a crash by 400% with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above the legal limit. Most alcohol-related motorcycle crashes happen at night between the hours of 12 and 3 a.m., after the bars close and the parties end. The majority are single-vehicle crashes as the impaired rider runs off the roadway and crashes into a tree or some other roadside hazard. Most involve males between the ages of 25 and 49. looklearnlive.org
The Biker's Responsibility Initiative Go to the following web-site to print and sign Pledge: http://www.looklearnlive.org/bri/ This includes committing to these points: I Ride Responsibly Properly licensed and insured and obeying all traffic laws; I Ride Sober Never under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; I Ride Smart Always learning, always striving to become a better, more skillful rider; I Ride Safe Keeping my bike properly maintained, wearing protective gear, and always riding within my limits, the limits of my bike and the limits of the riding environment at hand.
TEXAS Organizations Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association http://www.tmra.org/ http://www.tsba.org/ Texas Sport Bike Association http://www.looklearnlive.org/texasmotorcycle-safety-coalition/
Ride Safe In Texas a project of the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents to place signs in communities across Texas find out more at this web-site: http://ridesafeintexas.homestead.com/
FOR ADDITIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY INFORMATION http://www.nhtsa.gov/safety/motorcycles http://www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/moto_campaign.htm http://www.looklearnlive.org/ View videos of the presentations from the Texas Motorcycle Safety Forum 2011 at http://www.youtube.com/user/looklearnlive?feature=watch Call Safe Communities at 825 2551 or e-mail at safe.communities@tamucc.edu 4/2012 edition