8/5/2009
Education and enforcement efforts under way to reduce motorcycle fatalities
BOISE - As the number of scooters and motorcycles increases on Idaho highways so do the number of crashes. In an effort to save lives and prevent needless injuries, law enforcement agencies throughout the Treasure Valley will watch for motorcycle riders who speed, ride aggressively or appear to be riding impaired from Aug. 7 to Aug. 21.
"Riding a motorcycle requires balance, judgment and quick reactions. Alcohol impairs those skills," said Cecelia Arritola, motorcycle program coordinator with the Idaho Transportation Department. "Mix in aggressive riding behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic, and your chances of crashing are going to be much greater."
In 2008, 29 motorcyclists died and 192 more were seriously injured in crashes on Idaho highways. While motorcycle crashes represent just three percent of the total number of traffic crashes, they account for almost 13 percent of the fatalities and serious injuries. Thirty percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved impaired motorcyclists and 48 percent of the fatalities were single-vehicle accidents with no other cars involved.
"Lack of training, too much speed, impaired riders and lack of awareness by car drivers sum up the problem," Arritola said.
To reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities, ITD is increasing education efforts using a paid media campaign to raise driver awareness of motorcycle riders. Grant funds also are provided to assist law enforcement efforts.
For more information about efforts to reduce fatal and serious motorcycle injuries, contact ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety at 334-8112.