More motorcycle deaths prompt push for training
By Jayne O'Donnell, USA TODAY
CONCORD, N.H. — Harley-Davidson's representative had tattoos up to his elbows and a ponytail. The state transportation department official sported a close-cropped beard, jacket and tie.
Ryan Carter takes off on a training course sponsored by Harley-Davidson/Buell of Annapolis, Md.
By Tim Dillon, USA TODAY
The unlikely assortment of participants around a meeting room table here last month were unified in their mission: to cut New Hampshire's fast-rising motorcycle death toll.
This emergency meeting of New Hampshire's motorcycle safely task force didn't touch the hot-button helmet issue — helmets are required only until age 18 here — but did agree that more riders need training. Only one of the 27 motorcyclists killed last year had taken motorcycle training. The 27 deaths were three times the number killed in 2003, and 29 motorcyclists have already been killed this year.
Drugged and drunk driving also is cited
By Jayne O'Donnell, USA TODAY
Along with training, other factors contributing to motorcycle injuries and death are getting increased attention.
The new highway law just signed by President Bush mandates the first federal study into the causes of motorcycle crashes in about 30 years. Harley has stepped up its educational efforts on drunk or drugged riding, which the foundation says is more common with motorcyclists than with car drivers.
"Training is not going to be the only answer," says Tim Hoelter, Harley's government affairs vice president.
Industry and government officials are also hoping for changes in licensing laws, because some states allow riders to operate for years with only a permit. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation estimates 14% of motorcyclists are unlicensed, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 24% of fatal crashes in 2003 involved unlicensed motorcyclists.
While the companies don't take stands on helmet laws, they urge their customers to wear helmets and other protective attire. Helmets are opposed by many riders, who say they reduce visibility and hearing.
Justin Flippen has heard the arguments against helmets in his job as a legislative aide to Florida State Rep. Irving Slosberg.
But his 20-year-old brother's 2001 motorcycle crash speaks far more loudly. Nicholas Flippen was not wearing a helmet when he died from brain and head injuries after his motorcycle was hit by a drunk driver.
His passenger, who was wearing Nicholas' helmet, suffered only a broken arm, scrapes and bruises.
Car drivers are to blame in about two-thirds of motorcycle fatalities, the foundation says.
But Manchester, N.H. motorcycling trainer John Kohler reminds,
It's not who's right, it's who's left."
Addressing the problem
New Hampshire's hand-wringing is part of a national problem that has highway safety officials and the motorcycle industry struggling to figure out why motorcycle deaths were up 85% from 1997 to 2004. Members of the Governors Highway Safety Association discussed how to reverse the trend — one of their biggest concerns — at their annual meeting last week in Norfolk, Va. Jim Champagne, the group's chairman, says rising motorcycle deaths are offsetting the life-saving progress states are making by boosting seat-belt use and cutting alcohol-related deaths.
"If we're going to reduce fatalities across the board, we need to address the motorcycle problem," says Champagne, Louisiana's top highway safety official. "It is the only (vehicle class) that shows a consistent increase in fatalities."
Champagne is losing hope about helmet laws, which motorcyclists have gotten repealed in many states. Although Louisiana was able to get its helmet law re-enacted after a repeal — and is the only state to have done so — Champagne says it's time to look at alternatives for reducing motorcycle deaths. He agrees training is the best solution.
But with gas prices and, perhaps, midlife crises helping fuel a surge in ownership, there isn't enough training to keep up with the booming sales. The number of motorcycle owners increased 16% from 1998 to 2003, to about 6.6 million, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. A 2003 survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council found that 62% of motorcyclists had never taken a training course.
The foundation, funded by 10 major motorcycle manufacturers, has a training curriculum that is used in nearly every state. Foundation President Tim Buche says his group would support mandatory training if states would come up with economic models that would make it possible. For example, some states don't let trainers charge tuition and rely on license fees to fund training programs. It can also be difficult to find enough places to do the training, which requires a parking lot or other area at least 160 by 260 feet in size.
Motorcycle makers and dealers are trying to fill the training gaps.
Harley-Davidson offers basic and advanced rider training at 200 dealerships in 30 states. Honda has four training centers, and several independent trainers offer classes to supplement programs in cash-strapped states. Spokesman Rob Mitchell says BMW doesn't tend to attract new riders, but it is considering advanced training in the USA. Honda and Harley give buyers up to $100 toward training.
Paul Lessard, a member of New Hampshire's motorcycle safety task force, started a training program at the Harley dealership here five years ago when the state couldn't keep up with demand. He'll train anyone with a motorcycle.
"You may be on another brand of motorcycle, but someday, you'll be on a Harley," Lessard says. "If you're on two wheels, I'm interested in making you a better rider."
Training cuts panic
The New Hampshire task force notes that nine deaths last year involved riders crossing the center line. Motorcyclist and state Sen. Bob Letourneau notes that "if you're trained, you don't panic" and make such mistakes.
Trained riders would know how to negotiate a curve and would resist the urge to brake, instead pressing the handlebars in the direction they want to go, Letourneau says.
The often rusty and occasionally out of shape middle-age men who are buying many of the new motorcycles need training almost as much as young riders, the task force and other experts say. Riders under age 21 are usually the only ones required to take it in the few states that mandate training. The increase in fatal crashes among the over-40 crowd was second only that among riders under 20.
This month, the foundation launches a new training program for what it calls the "seasoned" rider.
"One of the challenges the industry has now is the returning rider who rode early in life, started a family and a career and now has discretionary time and income to buy a motorcycle but doesn't think to take training," Buche says.
Topic: More motorcycle deaths prompt push for training/NH (Read 2226 times)