FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MMA Announces 11th Annual MA Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period
For the 11th straight year, the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is pleased to announce the annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period in Massachusetts! Inaugurated in 2002, the MMA has worked closely with the MA Office of the Governor, the MA Legislature, the Highway Safety Division, MassDOT, the MA RMV and the MA Rider Education Program to declare the month of April as “Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Period. In a Proclamation presented to the MMA and signed by Governor Deval Patrick, this year’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period runs from Monday, March 26 to Monday, April 30, 2012.
2012 MA Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period Proclamation
The arrival of warmer weather each year brings with it the song of birds, the sight of budding spring flowers, and the rumble of Motorcycles on the road. Sadly, it also brings the other sign of motorcycles, the news reports of accidents and fatalities. Riders shaking off their early cobwebs are focused on their own skills and avoiding winter potholes, while other vehicle drivers used to the sight of large snow plows and sand trucks, not used to looking for small roadway users such as motorcycles and bicycles. Like taking the tarp off the lawn furniture, with each new season comes a period of awakening and the need for increased awareness on the roadway.
In 2002, the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) was successful in working with the State Legislature to thereafter declare the month of April as “Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Period” asking all roadway users to be more alert and share the road. Signed this year by Governor Patrick, the period from Monday, March 26 through Monday, April 30 is proclaimed “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period”. As part of this effort, the MMA has worked closely with MassDOT, the MA RMV and MREP to increase awareness through the use of the media, additional signage at RMV Offices, toll booths, and our highways.
MA-DOT Highway Signs ask ALL Motorists to Share the Road!
Does it work? According to federal accident and fatality statistics, as ridership increased since the 1970’s, so did accidents and fatalities – typically at a rate beyond ridership growth – especially in the early riding season. Since 2002, although Motorcycle Accidents and Fatalities continue to occur, they have basically remained at an average level while ridership has increased over the past decade. Also, over the past several years, as the MMA has kicked it’s Safety & Education Program into high gear, early season fatalities have been lower than in prior years. Indeed in 2011, by all accounts a great weather year for riding, fatalities are reporting significantly down for the overall year vs 2010 and the prior 9 years’ average!
What can you do to help? Spread the Word! Remind your family, friends, and all motorists that Motorcycles are Everywhere! Small vehicles and roadway users aren’t easy to spot when you’re not used to seeing them, so CHECK TWICE and perhaps save a life! The MMA has a supply of signs and bumper stickers that are available at no charge to anyone who would like to display it – contact your MMA District Manager or District Representative.
MMA Check Twice Sign on Cape Cod in 2011
Another great opportunity for riders will be to take advantage of additional programs through the MMA to hone up on your riding skills and shake the cobwebs off in a safer environment. In MMA District 2, the MMA is piloting a program to leverage a parking area with a MSF oriented practice range for self-guided skills practice. Also, the MMA continues to work with its Rider Education Schools in Massachusetts to offer discounts to its Members for both Basic and Experienced Rider Education! Schools such as Central Mass Safety Council, Ironstone Ventures, and Training Wheels, Inc., offer both classes – see their website or the MMA’s for more details.
Also, working in conjunction with Accident Scene Management, Inc., the MMA is also offering “A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist” because accidents do happen and the MMA strongly encourages all riders to be prepared. See http://roadguardians.org or http://www.MassMotorcycle.org for more information.
The MMA thanks all roadway users who SHARE THE ROAD!
For More Information, see http://www.MassMotorcycle.org or contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org