General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio

 

Patrol and American Motorcyclist Association continue
Ride Smart. Drive Smart. motorcycle safety partnership

COLUMBUS – To kick-off Motorcycle Awareness Month, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) are continuing their Ride Smart. Drive Smart. safety education partnership for a third riding season.

Throughout the spring and summer, the Patrol will provide a series of motorcycle safety tips from the AMA to help make it a safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding season in Ohio. Three key safety messages stressed through the program will be:
• Ride trained/Ride licensed – ensuring riders have a valid motorcycle endorsement, quality motorcycle training, and proper safety equipment. Also, resources are provided to find examination stations.
• Ride sober – incorporating the AMA’s national Ride Straight program.
• Motorcycle awareness - Troopers are stressing the importance of drivers being aware of motorcyclists.

“Continuing our partnership with the AMA for Ride Smart. Drive Smart. maintains a focus on motorcycle safety for all motorists in Ohio during the riding season,” Colonel Richard H. Collins, Patrol superintendent, said. “The only way to significantly reduce motorcycle fatalities is for everyone to share the road and to understand their responsibilities and contributions toward safe travel on our roadways.”

Emphasis on motorcycle safety is important when considering in 2006 there were 4,232 crashes involving motorcycles, which included 157 motorcyclist fatalities accounting for almost 13 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities for the year. Through a combination of focused enforcement, including the Patrol’s new Motorcycle Unit, and public awareness programs, motorcycle fatalities decreased by nearly 9 percent in Ohio last year.

Ohio is among the top five states with the highest number of motorcycle riders in the nation, and motorcycle sales are growing at about 16% annually. Along with the increase of motorcycle riders comes the increased need for motorcycle awareness and safety education.

As a motorist or a passenger, there are some steps to become more aware of motorcyclists.
• Respect the motorcyclist: Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway. Give the motorcyclist a full lane of travel.
• Look out: Look for the motorcyclist on the highway, at intersections, when a motorcyclist may be making a left turn, and when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes. Clearly signal your intentions.
• Anticipate a motorcyclist's maneuver: Obstructions (debris, potholes, etc.) that you may ignore or not notice can be deadly for a motorcyclist. Predict evasive actions.
• Allow plenty of space: Don't follow a motorcycle too closely. Allow enough room for the motorcyclist to take evasive actions.

"The AMA is proud to support the Ohio State Highway Patrol in this important campaign," said Rob Dingman, the AMA's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our connection to the OSHP goes back more than 70 years, when Jim Davis -- the winner of the first-ever AMA-sanctioned race – retired from competition and joined OSHP to help create its motorcycle-patrol unit in 1933. We're pleased to continue our ties in a way that benefits all motorcyclists."

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 282,000 members. The Association's purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA Web site at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

For the latest news releases, visit the AMA News Room at home.ama-cycle.org/newsroom or the OHSP Web site at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/motorcycle.htm.

Motocycle Fatalities Pin Map

 

 

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