PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
Idaho was the 50th state to sign into law a motorcycle endorsement on the drivers licenses of all motorcycle riders. Prior to enactment of this legislation in 1994, motorcycle riders in the state received no formal training or education on motorcycle safety. The problems associated with this lack of motorcycle safety training were revealed most clearly through statistics indicating the fatality rate for motorcyclists to be almost nine times the rate for all others involved in crashes statewide.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
The Skills Training Advantage for Riders (STAR) program was created by the Idaho Department of Education in 1996 with the goal of reducing crash-related injuries and fatalities involving motorcycle riders. Objectives of the program include:

• Development of a five-year plan to train all motorcycle riders in the state
• Development of a training program for new and experienced operators

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
Aided by the mandate of the state legislature to create a motorcycle operator education program, the Department of Education developed a plan for reaching the goals and objectives of the STAR program, including several strategies and activities:

• The program sponsored training for eight new instructors, certified by the Motor Cycle Safety Foundation; and provided recertification for ten instructors previously certified
• Eight sites were established throughout the state to provide training for both beginner and experienced motorcycle operators
• Two training programs were developed: one for the beginner, and one for the more experienced motorcycle rider. The beginner course featured seven hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of practical motorcycle skills training. The program for more experienced riders provided 3½ hours of classroom instruction and 4½ hours of practical application
• Motorcycles and helmets were purchased or donated and provided for the beginner course
• A statewide promotional campaign was developed, which featured the creation of a home page on the world-wide web
• Under the STAR program, a toll-free automated registration for the motorcycle training programs was developed in order to ease the registration process
• The Department of Transportation revised the licensing tests and the Motorcycle Operators Manual to provide information about the STAR program and the new testing requirements
• Outstanding instructors of the safety training programs were recognized for their work during an annual awards program
• The STAR program is designed to be self-sufficient through collection of $1 from all class A, B, C, and D driver license fees, which are deposited into a Motorcycle Safety Program Fund

RESULTS Since the beginning of the STAR program in 1996, 338 students have been trained in 52 classes. Statistics for 1996 indicate a decline of 1.5 percent in the rate of fatalities due to crashes involving motorcycle riders.

FUNDING   Section 402: $60,000   Motorcycle Safety Program Fund: $295,000 CONTACT     Ronald E. Shepard Motorcycle Safety Education Program Idaho Department of Education P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0027 (208) 332-6852