Indiana Motorcycle Operator
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INDIANA |
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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
According to national statistics, motorcycle riders involved in traffic
crashes will be injured 80 percent of the time regardless of whether or
not they are wearing protective gear. The most effective way to reduce motorcycle
injuries and fatalities is to prevent crashes from occurring through a comprehensive
program of rider education and training, improved licensing, alcohol education
and motorist awareness. In 1986, motorcycle riders in Indiana were involved
in 3,951 crashes, resulting in 3,729 injuries and 134 fatalities. More than
half of the fatal single vehicle (motorcycle only) crashes were alcohol-involved.
Although a rider education program had operated in Indiana since the late
1960's, it lacked a suitable funding mechanism to enlist many students.
A provision of state legislation enacted in 1987 designated $2 per motorcycle
registration to fund the Indiana Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program,
administered by the Indiana Department of Education. This fee was increased
to $5 per registration in 1993.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the Indiana Motorcycle Operator Safety Education
Program is to reduce fatalities and injuries from motorcycle crashes through
a comprehensive, state-wide rider education and training program. Specific
goals include:
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
The Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program is administered by the
Indiana Department of Education, and follows a standardized curriculum approved
by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Certified instructors provide novice
students with a comprehensive 20 hour training course, consisting of 8 hours
of classroom education and 12 hours of on-cycle training. A fleet of 230
state-owned motorcycles is used for on- cycle training. All course materials
and training motorcycles are included with the $25 tuition fee. Course graduates
may waive the state riding skills test to get their motorcycle endorsement,
and may qualify for a discount on motorcycle insurance.
The rider education program also offers an 8 hour training course to licensed
motorcycle riders who want to improve their knowledge and skill on their
personal motorcycle. Instructor training courses are routinely conducted.
The program also focuses on ongoing, statewide campaigns to increase motorists' awareness of motorcycles, reduce alcohol use when operating motorcycles, and increase the proper licensing of motorcycle operators. A billboard campaign and series of radio and television public service announcements target program principles. Informational materials such as brochures, flyers and bumper stickers are provided to automobile dealerships for distribution to customers.
Program representatives conduct motorcycle safety seminars and presentations to motorcycle clubs and organizations, schools, and civic groups to provide safety activities and strategies for motorcycle riders and motorists.
RESULTS Since the Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program was introduced in 1987, motorcycle crashes in Indiana have decreased by 40 percent, from 3,951 in 1986 to 2,386 in 1995. Crash injuries have also declined by 40 percent, from 3,729 in 1986 to 2,260 in 1995. Crash fatalities have fallen 50 percent (from 134 to 67). As of 1996, a total of 20,000 students had completed the rider education program, representing approximately 10 percent of all motorcycle endorsement holders in the state. |
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Spring 1997 |