Idaho earns national motorcycle safety program award

Idaho received the 2012 Outstanding State Award from the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA) for its efforts to promote motorcycle safety. The award recognizes a state’s comprehensive motorcycle safety program that has “implemented strategies that are successful, effective and can be measured, evaluated and serve best practices.”

Selection for the award is based on the 11 components in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Highway Safety Program Guideline No. 3 – Motorcycle Safety.

“Over the last three years, Idaho has incorporated all 11 components into their state motorcycle program, established a diverse coalition of critical partners to create a comprehensive plan, and implemented several successful and measurable data-driven strategies that are reducing motorcycle crashes," said SMSA’s chairperson Andrew Krajewski,"The SMSA applauds Idaho’s efforts and believes their approach can serve as a model for other states.”

This is the first time SMSA has awarded the Outstanding State Award; it was presented to Idaho’s motorcycle safety program representatives during the SMSA’s annual meeting in Nashville, Aug 24-26.

“We are proud to receive this national recognition of Idaho’s efforts to effectively implement motorcycle safety strategies that save lives,” said Stacey “Ax” Axmaker, director of the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program (Skills Training Advantage for Riders), the organization representing Idaho at the award presentation. “Idaho is fortunate to have so many groups working together in this effort.”

The Outstanding State Award positions Idaho as a leader in motorcycle safety and bestows recognition to the collaborative efforts of the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program, the ITD Office of Highway Safety, the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety (ICMS), the Idaho National Guard, the Idaho State Police and the Meridian City Police.

“The Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety is honored to be part of the Motorcycle Safety Program in our state. Elimination of death and serious injury on all Idaho roadways does not come easy, and it takes a strong commitment from all highway safety partners, each one of which brings highway safety values to the table,” said Brent Jennings, ITD Highway Safety manager. “Keeping families whole is of prime importance. Congratulations to all who work hard as we continue to move Toward Zero Deaths in Idaho.”

“ICMS is grateful to have a seat on the Idaho State Highway Safety Plan Motorcycle team. While all partners do not always agree on all issues, there is much common ground. This award is evidence that through trust and cooperation great things can be accomplished,” said Lane Triplett, ICMS’s chairman and board member.

Some of the focus areas of Idaho’s motorcycle safety program that earned the state national recognition include: rider training and education; motorist awareness campaigns; law enforcement; efforts to reduce impaired riding; outreach and marketing efforts and materials; and data collection and analysis, among others.

“While we are making progress, as reflected in the decrease of motorcycle-related fatalities in Idaho over the last few years, there is still much work to be done. One death is one too many. If that sounds unreasonable to you, ask yourself how many fatalities are ‘acceptable’ in your town or in your family. One is one too many,” said Axmaker. “Idaho rider organizations and agencies will continue to work together to educate the public and to help riders prevent and survive crashes.”

About Idaho STAR
The Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program is an Idaho Division of Professional-Technical Education program and operates through the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls. STAR is accredited by the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA). STAR training is associated with a 79 percent reduced crash risk and an 89 percent reduction in the risk of a fatal crash. STAR provides courses for all levels of riders, taught by Idaho certified instructors.

Published 8-31-2012