Urban and motorcycle fatalities

Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

After two years of progress toward the state and national goal of significant traffic crash fatality reduction, preliminary totals indicate an increase in traffic crash fatalities on Ohio roads in 2005. Two areas of particular concern for Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers are fatality crashes occurring within the metropolitan areas of Ohio and a considerable statewide increase in motorcycle crash fatalities.

Twenty percent of Ohio’s deaths are now occurring within four metropolitan areas (Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton). There were 177 motorcyclist fatalities in 2005, a 37 percent increase compared to the average number of motorcyclist deaths over the past five years. Unfortunately, an increase in alcohol involvement and extreme speeds in Ohio crashes underlies both of these problem areas.

The Patrol will be implementing a plan during this year to address these specific traffic safety issues, including a resurgence of the Patrol’s Motorcycle Unit. Troopers selected to serve on the Motorcycle Unit will target both reckless driving and congestion related issues on urban highways in central Ohio.

To target the increase of motorcycle fatalities on Ohio roadways, the Patrol will again partner with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) to provide a series of motorcycle safety tips from the AMA to help make a safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding season. Three key safety messages stressed in the program are:

• Get Trained (including knowing proper safety gear to wear)/Get Licensed - Please, only ride if you have a valid license. To get your motorcycle license, contact a driver license examination station to make an appointment for the on-cycle examination. Motorcycle rider training is great for beginners and experienced riders to learn about motorcycle operation and how to reduce the risks of motorcycling. For additional information, visit the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle’s Web site at bmv.ohio.gov/driver_license/mc_lic.htm.
• Stay Sober (incorporating the AMA’s national Ride Straight program) - Riding a motorcycle takes coordination, balance, and most important, good judgment. Alcohol and drugs, more than any other single factor, can rob you of your ability to think clearly and ride safely. Riding "under the influence" of alcohol poses physical and legal hazards for every rider. Learn more through AMA’s national Ride Straight program, www.ridestraight.com.
• Other Drivers Be Aware of Motorcyclists - To ensure motorcycle safety, everyone must share the road and understand their respective responsibilities and contributions toward safe travel. When driving, please be aware of motorcyclists by taking extra precautions when changing lanes, checking blind spots, and taking extra time and attention at intersections.

Troopers will also continue to be part of OhioSafe Commute in order to correct poor driving behavior on identified problem interstate corridors through state and local law enforcement presence and public awareness. Traffic is closely monitored and crashes are removed quickly in order to reduce the number of secondary crashes and allow traffic to return to a reasonable speed.

Law enforcement officers are placed along Ohio’s busiest highways when and where crashes typically occur. Officers are visible as an attempt to keep traffic at a safe speed to prevent crashes. In addition, they employ “quick clear” techniques to prevent secondary crashes.

OhioSafe Commute has shown success. During the first phase targeting five high-crash locations in and around Columbus in 2003-2004, there were no major injury or fatal crashes or major backups on any of the corridors during rush hour or other hours when OhioSafe Commute was in effect.

Ohio State Highway Patrol – keeping Ohio roadways safe.