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Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Patrols crack down on impaired or aggressive
motorcycle and scooter riders

As the number of scooters and motorcycles increases on Idaho highways so do the number of crashes. In order to save lives and avoid needless injuries, Treasure Valley law enforcement agencies are cracking down on motorcycle and scooter riders who speed, ride aggressively or ride impaired Aug. 1–17.

“Many new riders are hitting the street and most have no training”, said Pat Beale, motorcycle safety coordinator with ITD’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety. “Things that may have been dangerous in a car are outright lethal when done on a bike.

“Riding a motorcycle requires balance, judgment and quick reactions. Alcohol slows or dulls these skills in riders,” Beale said. “Mix in aggressive riding behaviors such as; speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic, and you’re going to crash.”

To reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities, law enforcement officers from throughout the Treasure Valley will be arresting or citing impaired and aggressive riders. 

In 2007, 34 percent of all motorcycle crashes involved a rider who had been drinking – a higher percentage than that found in any other vehicle type. Of the 29 riders who died in Idaho last year, seven crashes occurred in Ada County and three were in Canyon County. Statistically, 70 percent of the fatalities were single vehicle accidents with no other cars involved. 

“Lack of training, too much speed and impaired riders sum up the problem”, Beale said.

Besides speeding and reckless riding, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has found that the following behaviors are associated with impaired motorcycle operation more than one-half the time.

  • Drifting during a turn or curve
  • Trouble with dismount
  • Trouble with balance at a stop
  • Turning problems (for example, unsteady, sudden corrections, late braking and improper lean angle)
  • Inattentive to surroundings
  • Inappropriate or unusual behavior
  • Weaving

For more information concerning impaired and aggressive riding contact ITD’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety at 334-8112.

Published 7-25-8