Motorcycle Safety

HONOLULU – Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. and the state Department of Transportation (DOT) kicked off Motorcycle Safety Month with a proclamation signing at Leeward Community College (LCC).  It was announced that LCC will be offering free motorcycle rider courses to the public throughout May and two weekends in June.  This marks the beginning of various events throughout the month to educate the public on motorcyclist and driver responsibilities along with the launch of a statewide radio campaign.

“We have one of the highest motorcycle fatality rates in the country and we need to each take personal responsibility to make our roads safer,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.  “These free motorcycle rider courses will promote safety tips and encourage drivers to be mindful of all the users of our roadways.”

Motorcycle fatalities continue to increase at an alarming pace.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,290 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal highway crashes in 2008.  In Hawaii, there were 30 motorcycle fatalities in Hawaii in 2009, a 36 percent increase from 2008. 

“The Department of Transportation is committed to safeguarding all of our roadway users, and that includes motorcyclists,” DOT Director Brennon Morioka said.  “With widespread public education and proper rider training, we hope motorcycle-related fatalities become a downward trend.”

With just a few safety practices that all motorists can take, the number of accidents involving motorcycles can be reduced. 

Drivers need to:

• Remember that motorcycles have the same rights and privileges as any other motor vehicle on the roadway.  Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width; never try to share a lane. 
• Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.  This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.

Motorcyclists need to do their part, as well:

• Get properly trained and licensed.  Every new rider should enroll in a Basic RiderCourse.
• Wear protective gear, such as a HDOT-compliant helmet, eye protection, boots, long pants and a riding jacket.
• Do not ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Government studies show that 46 percent of riders killed in motorcycle crashes had been drinking.
• Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws.
• Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses.

For more information on LCC’s free RiderCourse, please call 455-0479 or visit: hawaii.gov/dot/motorcyclesafety. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Experienced Rider Course consists of both classroom instruction and riding exercises in a controlled environment.  Participants must be licensed riders who have successfully completed the Basic RiderCourse or who possess basic riding skills.  Space is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.  The cost for the five-hour course is normally $50 per person.

 

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MSF Experienced RiderCourse - MS3000   

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Experienced Rider Course (ERC) is designed to provide current motorcyclists lifelong opportunities for rider education and training.  Participants must be licensed riders who have successfully completed the Basic Rider Course (BRC) or who possess basic riding skills. The course consists of both classroom instruction and riding exercises in a controlled environment. The riding exercises emphasize safety, skill development and build upon the basic riding skills introduced in the BRC.  This course provides participants an opportunity to use their own motorcycle.  Please click here for more information on the ERC course at Leeward Community College.

Leeward Community College OCEWD Registration Office
Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program 

Registration and Information:  (808) 455-0479 or (808) 455-0477 

E-Mail: ocewd@lcc.hawaii.edu

Website: www.lcc.hawaii.edu/ocewd