New York Freedom Riders: 03-31-08 www.newyorkfreedomriders.com
New York State 2007 Highway Safety Annual Report
www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/GTSC2007AnnualReportFULL.pdf
PDF 98 Pages
Motorcycle related only.
Police Traffic Services:
Page 21:
Motorcycle Enforcement
Motorcycle fatalities are rapidly increasing nationwide, rising from 2,116 in 1997 to 4,553 in 2005. During the same time period, passenger vehicle fatalities decreased significantly. Motorcycle fatalities now exceed pedestrian fatalities for the first time since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began collecting fatal motor vehicle crash data in 1975. As a percentage of all traffic fatalities, motorcycle fatalities now account for 10 percent, up from five percent in 1997. Nationally, approximately one-quarter of all fatally injured motorcycle drivers were unlicensed in 2005, and an alarming 61 percent of motorcycle operators who died in single-vehicle crashes on weekend nights had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 percent or more.
New York State is experiencing very similar increases in motorcycle crashes. Highway fatalities in New York would have remained at record lows in 2006, if not for an increase in motorcycle fatalities of nearly 20 percent between 2005 and 2006, following a nine percent increase between 2004 and 2005. Coupled with these alarming statistics, excessive speeds and reckless driving by many motorcyclists is now commonplace on our highways.
The Division of State Police has modeled their motorcycle safety initiative after the checkpoints used when conducting roadside inspections of commercial vehicles. Variable message signs (VMS) are used to direct all motorcycles to exit the highway to a location where Troopers inspect the operator’s license and registration, helmet and other equipment, and the equipment on the vehicle. An aerial speed detail is set up several miles beyond the checkpoint site and a seat belt enforcement detail is set up at the interchange. Troopers assigned to these details are available to assist in intercepting any motorcyclists who flee or attempt to avoid the motorcycle checkpoint.
NHTSA, FHWA and numerous local police departments have shown an interest in this initiative and NHTSA has requested a presentation be made at the Lifesavers Conference in Portland, Oregon in April, 2008. According to Thomas Louizou, NHTSA Regional Administrator, NHTSA is considering adopting the concept as a “best practice”.
The skyrocketing number of those injured or killed in motorcycle crashes has also motivated other police departments to consider alternative approaches. The Empire State Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Conference planned for April 2008 in Lake George will include a panel highlighting what local police agencies have been doing to stem the rising tide of motorcycle crashes, fatalities and injuries. The Chief of the Highland Falls Police has agreed to make a presentation at the conference; the Suffolk County Police will also be invited to discuss their motorcycle enforcement program implemented with GTSC grant funds.
Motorcycle Safety
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Motorcycle safety must continue to be a priority in New York State, as evidenced in recent years by the increase in motorcyclist fatalities and the increasing number of registered motorcycles and licensed motorcycle operators. With the large increases in the price of gas and steady motorcycle sales, this growth trend in registered motorcycles and licensed operators is expected to continue. The number of motorcycle crashes rose from 4,269 in 2002 to 4,912 in 2006, representing an increase of 15 percent. During this same five-year period, 2002-2006, fatalities rose 38 percent, from 139 in 2002 to 192 in 2006.
To address motorcycle safety issues, legislation was enacted more than a decade ago to establish a rider-funded motorcycle education program. As provided by the legislation, the Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for administering and promoting a program of approved motorcycle rider training courses, motorcycle course instructor training and public awareness. The law also mandated that the resources needed to maintain the program be provided through a dedicated fund using a portion of motorcycle registration and licensing fees. New York’s motorcycle helmet law is also an important safety measure and compliance with the law remains high. Conducted in 2003, the most recent statewide observational survey indicates a helmet use rate of approximately 99 percent.
The need for an effective Motorcycle Safety Program has become more critical with the increased motorcycling population. Between 2002 and 2006, there was a 26 percent increase in registered motorcycles in New York State and a seven percent increase in motorcycle license endorsements.
Table:
Registered Motorcycles
2002: 229,047 / 2003: 241,440 / 2004: 256,571 / 2005: 272,779 / 2006-289,096 / % Change 02-06- 26.2%
Motorcycle Endorsements
2002: 559,201 / 2003: 567,031 / 2004: 576,635 / 2005: 593,268 / 2006: 597,782 / % Change 02-06- 6.9%
With more motorcycles on the road and more new motorcyclists, it is important that the Motorcycle Safety program area continue its focus on increasing motorist awareness of motorcycles on the roadways and on expanding participation in the motorcycle rider education program. The goals established for the state’s Motorcycle Safety Program are listed below.
Goals
· Reduce the number of motorcycle crashes from 4,509 in 2004 to 4,300 in 2007
· Reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities from an annual average of 154 in 2003-2005 to148 in 2007
·
Status of Goals
Similar to what is happening nationwide, motorcycle crashes continued on an upward trend in New York. In 2006, there were 4,912 motorcycle crashes, up from 4,892 in 2005 and 4,509 in 2004. There has also been a lack of progress in reducing the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes. In 2006, 192 motorcyclists died in crashes up significantly from the annual average of 154 for the three-year period, 2003-2005, and well above the goal of 148 set for 2007. The failure to meet these goals, however, should be interpreted within the context of the increasing numbers of registered motorcycles and motorcycle endorsements during this period.
Performance Objectives
· Continue support for the expansion of motorcycle rider education opportunities in 2007, including an Experienced Rider Course
· Establish at least three new training sites in 2007
· Increase motorist awareness of motorcycles
· Continue research in 2007 to examine the issues related to unlicensed motorcycle operators
· Conduct research in 2007 on unsafe behaviors of motorcyclists
Status of Performance Objectives
The objectives related to the expansion of training and education opportunities for motorcycle riders were met in 2007 by offering more courses at a reduced student fee. The results of these efforts are reflected in the number of students trained each year since the program’s inception in 1998. The number of motorcycle riders trained increased more than fivefold between 1998 and 2006, from 2,395 in 1998 to 13,572 in 2006. A slight decline has been noted in 2007, with 13,067 motorcycle riders having been trained as of November 12. Since 1996, more than 93,000 motorcyclists have participated in the beginning rider training program offered through MANYS. In 2007, the MANYS Basic RiderCourse® continued to be offered by training providers at fees that are equal to or below the fee charged in 2005.
New York did not meet its goal to establish three new training sites in 2007; in fact, the total number of public training sites dropped in 2007. Despite the reduction in the number of training sites, the capacity for training increased by scheduling more classes at the existing training sites. In 2007, MANYS also supported eight training sites at military installations across New York. The military sites have enabled the safety offices to meet the Department of Defense requirements for motorcycle training at these facilities.
The GTSC, in conjunction with the Motorcycle Safety Program, continued its efforts to raise awareness of motorcycles through various public information activities. With respect to the research-related goals established for 2007, they have been delayed until FFY 2008 due to other research priorities.
2007 Program Highlights
New York’s Motorcycle Safety Program remains committed to incorporating strategies In its program that were recommended in the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (NAMS) issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) in November 2000. A summary of those strategies is presented below.
Public Information and Education
The NAMS report recommended that operators of other vehicles be educated to make them more aware of the presence of motorcycles on the roads. Although New York’s Motorcycle Safety Program’s primary focus has been on rider education, it continues to undertake and participate in activities designed to increase motorist awareness of motorcycles. Governor Spitzer joined in the national awareness campaign by proclaiming May 2007“Motorcycle Awareness and You” month.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the Motorcycle Safety Program also continued their efforts to raise awareness of motorcycles. In 2007, the Motorcycle Safety Program exhibited at the International Motorcycle Show in New York City, the “Americade” Motorcycle Touring Rally in Lake George, and the New York State Fair in Syracuse.
Rider Education and Training
New York’s Motorcycle Safety Program continues to focus its efforts on making rider education accessible and affordable across the state, addressing one of NAMS primary recommendations. Administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles and delivered by the Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. (MANYS), a non-profit rider education organization, the program was in its fourth year of a five-year contract in 2007. With the support of DMV and MANYS, the program uses a standardized national curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Since its inception in 1998, the program has seen a dramatic increase in the number of motorcycle rider training sites, training capacity and the number of students trained.
National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators Conference
To promote the continued professional development of RiderCoaches statewide and nationally, in August 2007, the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program hosted the annual conference of the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA). As the only national conference on the subject, this premier event brought together safety experts and advocates to present and discuss ways to improve their programs. The conference was well-attended with nearly 400 participants representing 44 states and Puerto Rico. The conference was co-sponsored by the Department of Motor Vehicles, MANYS and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, with support from NHTSA.
Licensing
Since 1996, New York has allowed the motorcycle road test to be waived for drivers who successfully complete approved rider training. The MSF RiderCourse® offered through MANYS provides an option and incentive for motorcyclists to become licensed and to learn to ride more skillfully. Many motorcyclists choose this option, as evidenced by the number of course participants. Similar to 2006, approximately one-quarter of New York’s newly-licensed motorcyclists in 2007 were trained and earned their license endorsement through the Motorcycle Safety Program.
Personal Protective Equipment
A priority recommendation of the NAMS report was the implementation of strategies to increase the use of USDOT-approved helmets. New York takes this recommendation very seriously, encouraging motorcyclists to wear appropriate gear, including an approved helmet, face or eye protection, and protective clothing in its rider education courses and in the DMV Motorcycle Manual. New York State law requires that motorcyclists wear USDOT-approved helmets and has maintained a high rate of compliance with the mandatory helmet law; the most recent statewide observational survey conducted in 2003 indicated a helmet use rate of 99 percent.
Insurance Industry Involvement
New York has also incorporated into its Motorcycle Safety Program the NAMS recommendation that participation in an approved training course be linked with reductions in insurance premiums. In addressing this recommendation, New York has approved the MANYS sponsored RiderCourse® for the Point and Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP). Drivers attending the Basic RiderCourse® are eligible for a 10 percent reduction on the base rate of their automobile and motorcycle liability and collision insurance premiums for three years and a reduction of up to four points from their license record. These benefits have provided an added incentive for motorcyclists to seek appropriate rider education.
Enforcement
Suffolk County has the largest motorcycle population in the state, with nearly 31,000 registered motorcycles representing more than 10 percent of the total registrations. The Suffolk County Police Department conducted a motorcycle safety enforcement project to promote and encourage safe and legal motorcycling. The enforcement period was from June to September and involved three checkpoints and seven targeted details. During these efforts, 360 summonses were issued, with the three leading violations being related to helmets (178), equipment (106), and improper license (33).
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