Indiana Motorcycle Operator
Safety Education Program

INDIANA

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS PROGRAM AREA(S)
  Targets hard-to-reach/at risk population   Motorcycle Safety
      Alcohol and Other Drugs
       
TYPE OF JURISDICTION    
  State    
       
TARGETED POPULATION(S) JURISDICTION SIZE
  Motorcycle Riders   5,752,000
  Motorists    


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.

FUNDING
  Section 402:

$200,000

  State:

$475,000

CONTACT  
  H. John Bodeker, Coordinator
Indiana Department of Education
State House, Room 229
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2798
(317) 232-0893


National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Spring 1997