Motorcyclists will have a better opportunity to learn motorcycle safety and defensive driving techniques thanks to a $114,238 grant Governor Bob Riley authorized last week.
This grant will fund the expansion of the existing Motorcycle Safety Program under the Alabama Traffic Safety Center. Operated by the University of Montevallo, classes are currently administered at various locations in the state several times per year.
According to the Alabama Traffic Safety Center, the goal of the program is to provide quality training for riders of all levels. Beginner riders as well as those with more experience may benefit from the Basic Rider Course or the Skills Plus Course respectively.
Increased funding will allow for greater outreach and opportunity for motorcyclists at every level to be educated on safety precautions and driving tips.
Jim Plott, a public information specialist for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, explained this grant is important because more individuals in the state are choosing to drive motorcycles, for fuel-related reasons or otherwise.
"Consequently, we are having more fatalities, more crashes," Plott said.
Auburn has had approximately 11 accidents in the past year involving motorcycles, said Capt.Tom Stofer, Auburn Police Division. Most often, drivers of larger vehicles claim they did not see the other individual involved on the motorcycle.
According to the Governor's Highway Safety Association, the state has seen a steady rise in the number of accidents involving motorcycles since 1999. In 1998 there were 2,106 motorcycle related accidents resulting in 98 fatalities. There were only 633 recorded instances of this type of accident in 1999.
"It is extremely important for motorcycle drivers to be visible," Stofer said.
Visibility is a key issue for motorcyclists and drivers must take on defensive driving techniques in order to abate the problem.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation suggests drivers pump their breaks when stopping because the human eye is able to detect the flashing light faster than a solid break light. Other safety measures for visibility can include making sure the break lights are completely visible and wearing reflectors, especially at night.
It is imperative to motorcycle safety that drivers be well educated, Stofer said, because motorcycles are "inherently dangerous."
He said anything in favor of strengthening this education will be supported by law enforcement.
Keith Jones, service manager at Big Swamp Harley-Davidson in Opelika, rides motorcycles for a living, test driving different ones on the roads around this area.
"Motorcycle safety classes are the only way to start out and the best way for getting a good foundation," Jones said.
Jones further explained it is also important to raise awareness about motorcycle safety among drivers of larger vehicles. He said there is almost never a test ride he performs that does not involve larger vehicles pulling out in front of him.
"You are a smaller target, and you are harder to see," Jones said.
Montgomery will be the closest location to Auburn for the Motorcycle Safety Program's course offerings. Classes will be offered several time this summer in June, July and August and will be held at the Alabama Department of Transportation located on Coliseum Boulevard.
For more information, visit the program's official website, http://www.montevallo.edu/atsc/motorcycle.
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