Department of Transportation

MRF Update: Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation released an interactive website with data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). FARS, which became operational in 1975, containing data on a census of fatal traffic crashes within the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. To be included in FARS, a crash must involve a motor vehicle traveling on a traffic way customarily open to the public and must result in the death of a vehicle occupant or a nonoccupant within 30 days of the crash. Fatal crash data for motorcyclists and passengers from the years 2010 to 2019 is included on this website. Users of the website can sort the information on fatalities by a variety of categories, including: State where the crash took place Crash Characteristics Environmental Characteristics Month of Crash Time of Crash Helmet Usage Alcohol Usage Age and Sex of Victims Weather Conditions Single Vehicle v Multi Vehicle While this information can be useful in understanding when, why and where crashes are taking place, it’s important to note that this data includes not just traditional motorcycles but also mopeds, scooters, minibikes, and pocket bikes. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation believes crash avoidance is key component of rider safety. There are zero fatalities in crashes that never happen. To see the website and view the decade’s long data click here. About Motorcycle Riders Foundation The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Visit MRF Website at: https://mrf.org/

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More Motorcycle Safety Awareness campaigns by authorities

California Highway Patrol asking motorists to drive with caution from https://www.kget.com The California Highway Patrol is recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The department says as the weather warms up, more and more motorcycles and cars are expected to be hitting the road. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show more than 500 people were killed in motorcycle-involved crashes in California in 2020 and more than 11,500 people were injured. Here in Kern County, at least eight people have died in motorcycle crashes so far this year. The CHP is asking motorcyclists to be responsible and properly equipped. They’re also asking drivers to watch out for motorcyclists on the road. CHP: Motorcycle safety requires everyone’s attention by Jaime Coffee, Information Officer II, California Highway Patrol from http://antiochherald.com The warming weather and increasing number of vehicles traveling on California’s roadways offer a timely reminder of the importance of motorcycle safety awareness for motorcyclists and motorists alike. By recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) emphasizes safe riding and driving practices for everyone. “Motorcyclists who are responsible, informed, and properly equipped can help reduce rider deaths and injuries,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists are also key to reducing crashes by being aware of the dangers and challenges of motorcycle riding. Taking the time to look twice for motorcyclists can save a life.” “Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable out in the elements, which is why it is important for drivers to always be mindful of riders,” California Office of Traffic Safety Director Barbara Rooney said. With more than 1.4 million licensed riders, motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation for Californians, another reason motorcycle safety awareness is paramount. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show more than 500

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JSO offers free motorcycle course to make riding safer

by Richard Nunn – The Morning Show meteorologist from https://www.news4jax.com Richard Nunn participates in SMART Motorcycle Safety Course The Weather Authority’s Richard Nunn recently participated in the new Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office SMART Motorcycle Safety Course. The course took place at the Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Training and Education Center. The acronym SMART stands for Safe Motorcycle and Rider Techniques. JSO joined together with the Florida Department of Transportation to provide the program free of cost to Jacksonville residents. Watch the video above to see some of the riding techniques that Richard learned during the course. To learn more about the program, click here. JSO offers free motorcycle course to make riding safer Classes taught by motor officers who ride for a living Florida has the second-highest number of motorcycle registrations in the nation — one spot down from California and one ahead of Texas. I am one of those registered riders and have been since my late teens. A motorcycle was my main source of transportation for a couple of years. My part-time job took me on a 60-mile round trip while attending school. All of that riding totaled 15,000-18,000 miles annually. I do not log that kind of yearly miles these days and maybe that is a good thing. With congested roads and distracted drivers in a hurry, there are too many unfortunate accidents. When those accidents involve motorcycles, serious injuries and deaths are all too common. What if there was a local course taught by professional riders that could help you improve your riding skills? What if just one of those skills could save your life? Would you invest your time to improve your riding skills? What if the course was free? I hope that last item got your attention. It’s FREE! Jacksonville is now home to the

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