1. 2017 SMSA National Training Summit
Why Motorcyclists Crash

2. Fatalities vs Vehicle Type

3. Driver Education Passenger Vehicle License Requirements
26 states with no driver’s ed required at all
3 states require driver’s ed regardless of age
Motorcycle License Requirements
6 states required driver’s ed regardless of age
2 states for those under 21
1 state if skills test failed twice

4. Operating the Controls
Driver Education
It’s What We Do
Rules of the Road
Safety Strategies
Operating the Controls

5. Why We Crash Distracted driving Speeding DUI
Reckless driving (stunting/racing)
Bad weather
Running red lights/stop signs
Unsafe lane changes
Improper turns
Wrong way driving
Tailgating
Fatigue
Equipment failure
Lack of licensing/experience

6. Conclusion #1
“Current driver education appears to do a good job of preparing students to pass the licensing exam. The expectation that driver education will lead to a decreased [teen] crash rate is unrealistic and beyond what current practice can be expected to achieve.”
Thomas, F. D., III, Blomberg, R. D., & Donald L. Fisher, D. L. (2012, April). A Fresh Look at Driver Education in America. (Report No. DOT HS ). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

7. Conclusion #2
“In 2015, 35,092 people died in motor vehicle crashes. Research shows that 94 percent of crashes are tied to a human choice or error.”

8. Conclusion #3
People are not crashing and dying based on the elements (Rules of the Road, vehicle controls operation, safety strategies) covered in most Driver Education programs.

9. “94 percent of crashes are tied to a human choice or error.”
What’s Being Done
“94 percent of crashes are tied to a human choice or error.”

10. What’s Being Done Government Educators Manufacturers Laws Curriculum
Technology

11. What’s Being Done GOVERNMENT
Relies on enacting/enforcing laws in all areas:
- Public Safety
- Manufacturing Standards
- Training/Education

12. What’s Being Done MANUFACTURERS Rely on Technology:
- Suggested/mandated by government
- Automobiles vs Motorcycles

13. What’s Being Done EDUCATORS Rely on curriculum: MSF BRCu Total Control
Focus is on 4 primary riding sub-tasks (mental, physical, emotional, social):
5 core questions:
What is the cause of crashes?
What is a good rider?
How does a rider reduce factors?
How long does it take to reduce risk?
What is the primary challenge to be safe?
Change behavior (reduce fatalities) by:
Being honest about the dangers of riding
Train Instructors as Subject Matter Experts
Instructors model behavior w/skills and PPE
Provide honest feedback on student skillset
Provide multiple “opt-out” opportunities
Promote/provide follow-on training

14. Ultimate Conclusion - Three methods of reducing fatalities:
Educators
Curriculum
Manufacturers
Technology
Government
Laws
- Three methods of reducing fatalities:
Our best efforts to reduce fatalities should
address the human choice/error aspects.