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Eclipse, motorcycle safety and DMV priorities discussed by Idaho Transportation Board in Shoshone

The September meeting in Shoshone of the Idaho Transportation Board included a discussion of motorcycle safety, a recap of the department’s role in the Great American Eclipse, and a review of DMV priorities.

Tour
The board’s tour on September 20 included a visit to Mountain Rides. The transit provider built a new facility in Bellevue last year, expected to save at least $65,000 per year in reduced operating costs. Another stop on the tour was at the recently completed ID-75, Big Wood River Bridge, which was featured in last week’s Transporter.

Motorcycle safety
At its business meeting in Shoshone September 21, the board heard about the Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders (STAR) Program. The training program was created by the Idaho Legislature in 1994. On average, between 2,400 and 3,000 motorcyclists take the training each year. The program is funded via motorcycle registrations, driver’s license, student tuition, and sale of equipment. There are seven courses, ranging from basic to advanced, along with courses on sidecars/trikes and braking and cornering.

The five-year fatality average is 24.6 — a slight increase from the past couple of years. The director of the STAR Program would like to develop a data-driven curriculum, but there are many variables with crashes. Cornering appears to be one of the more prominent factors with fatalities. The STAR Program also includes outreach and communication, such as newsletters. The STAR training is associated with a 79% reduction in crash risk and an 89% reduction in the risk of a fatal crash. It was also reported that of the 92 motorists killed during the recent 100 Deadly Days of Summer between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, 18 of those fatalities were motorcyclists.

Solar eclipse
A summary on the extensive efforts to prepare for the August 21 solar eclipse was provided, highlighting the efforts of ITD employees and numerous partners involved in this historic event.

With portions of the state being in the path of totality, officials expected numerous visitors. Overall, it appears the number of people that arrived via highways was 160,000, which was below estimates. Interstate 15 between Utah and Idaho Falls, US-93 near Craters of the Moon, US-20 near Arco, US-95 from Payette to Riggins, and ID-55 north of Eagle were the busiest corridors.

The extensive planning and communication before the eclipse were successful, as there were no major issues, most of the eclipse viewers were well prepared, and there were no major crashes. The most significant issue was the crash of the 511 cameras, caused because so many people accessed the site.

Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) – major focus areas
Motor Vehicles Administrator Alberto Gonzalez summarized his focus areas for DMV. Providing support to the counties will be a priority, along with releasing an optional Real ID compliant driver’s license by Jan. 1, 2018 and continuing the modernization effort. He wants to build on the progress that has been made through the reorganization of the division. The focus on the main objectives should result in improvements in performance and customer service. He also intends to address the change fatigue that staff is experiencing; establish, automate, and review the performance metrics; and develop clear goals and objectives for the DMV management team.