Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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It’s time you did
BEST OF THE WEST something more to
protect your rights!
Join and Support Motorcycle Riders
In 1995 and 2005 the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Foundation… RegiSteR, Vote, and Ride!
Safety (ICMS) was asked by the Motorcycle Riders
Annual Individual Membership ...........$30
Foundation (MRF) to host Best of the West. Best of the 3-Year Individual Membership .............$80
West is one of the premier training programs for activist Annual Joint Membership .....................$50
motorcyclists. Beginning in 1985, the Motorcycle 3-Year Joint Membership .................... $130
Riders Foundation (MRF) has been providing activist Annual Sustaining Membership ....... $100
training seminars across the United States. The ICMS Freedom Fighter Donation:
$10 $25 $ ___________________
will again host the Best of the West seminar in Boise,
Idaho on June 11-13, 2010. PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE YOUR INFORMATION:
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Study: Driver cell phone bans don't reduce crashes
By: MARKHAM HEID
Examiner Staff Writer
January 29, 2010
A new study finds that laws banning hand-held cell phone use while driving have not reduced the number of auto accidents in the
District or elsewhere.
The Highway Loss Data Institute examined insurance claim records in D.C., New York, Connecticut and California, as well as nearby
areas lacking cell phone bans.
The findings: Cell phone bans don't lower crash rates.
"We looked at states that have had hand-held cell phone bans in place for the longest times," said Russ Rader, a representative of the
Highway Loss Data Institute, which is a research wing of the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "We found that there was no
change in the crash trends before compared to after the laws banning cell phone use were put in place."
The study also compared crash rates in the District with those in Maryland and Virginia, which don't have laws restricting driver cell
phone use, and found that crash rates were similar.
For example, when comparing D.C.'s collision claim frequency with similar claims in Baltimore, where no such laws exist, the study
found that the phone ban had no effect.
"We were surprised by the results," Rader said. "Given the big increase in cell phone use over the last few years, we were surprised to
find no impact on crashes."
The District of Columbia enacted laws banning driving while talking on a cell phone in July 2004, though drivers are still allowed to use
hands-free cell phone devices.
According to the AAA Mid-Atlantic Auto Club, D.C. police officers have since doled out almost 13,000 tickets and 7,519 warnings to
drivers caught using hand-held cell phones.
Chicago and other major metropolitan areas followed D.C.'s example, racking up thousands of dollars in ticket revenue despite a dearth
of evidence showing that cell phone bans reduce the number of auto accidents.
In addition to the new findings, a recent AAA study found that hands-free cell phone use was no safer than talking on a hand-held.
"No empirical studies ... show hands-free phones offer safety advantages over hand-held phones," AAA spokesman John Townsend
said in response to the new findings.
The problem, some experts say, lies in human nature -- not our gadgets.
"The real danger is distracted driving," said a AAA Mid-Atlantic statement issued in response to the new study -- and that danger is not
confined to cell phones users.
mheid@washingtonexaminer.com
Chairman’s note:
If this article is accurate, what are the answers to combat distracted driving? Is a complete ban on all cell phone use, including texting
and hands-free devices, needed? What about other forms of distraction such as eating, applying makeup, music, conversations with other
passengers, and any of the countless other ways to not pay attention to the task at hand? Certainly such activities pose serious risks to
motorcycle riders as well as others that share the road. But on the other hand are we giving law enforcement another opportunity to issue
tickets with no proven effectiveness of the law? Does this stretch into a personal freedom issue? We encourage personal freedom and
also personal responsibility. Responsible people would not normally engage in activities that put others at risk, yet many who consider
themselves responsible still do it. Can the encouragement of personal responsibility alone on this issue be enough? Our experiences would
emphatically say “no”. So, I ask again, what can society effectively do to combat distracted driving? Please email me with your thoughts.
ltriplet@cableone.net
YEARS
In this newsletter you will find a flyer for the 2010 Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety Motorcycle Awareness Rallys in Boise and Idaho Falls.
Yes, it’s that time already. The first Saturday in May seems to come around faster as the years roll by. In fact, the Awareness
Rally is officially celebrating its 25th year in Boise. These gatherings have become the largest and most attended one day rides
in Idaho. All of the rides statewide attract in the neighborhood of 2000 riders of all types of 2 and 3 wheeled vehicles. They also
attract the media, politicians, and dignitaries. All of this in an effort to remind the motoring public that motorcycles are out on
the highways once again and that they should “Save a Life-Look Twice”.
The continued support of these rallys by folks like you is imperative. For without your support, the message is weakened. If
you have never been on this ride, it is truly an amazing sight. Motorcycles, side by side, rolling down the road as far as the eye
can see. The flags of our country, state, organizations, and clubs flying at the head of the pack. If you have been there, you know
what I mean. ICMS would like those of you that have attended in the past to show up and ride again. We need everyone. No single
event you can take part in will make more of a difference to your safety on the road. We encourage everyone to ride safely and
responsibly during the parade.
Once again we will begin the ride at Sandy Point Park. Come rain or shine we will gather from 11:00AM and the ride will leave
at 1:00 PM. We will be returning to the Capitol steps this year. The renovation of the “Peoples House” is complete. Everyone
should go inside and have a look. It is magnificent. Please come to the steps as there will be a few words spoken by Idaho
Transportation Director, Scott Stokes, Brian Johns from the Dept. of Education, Sunshine from “STAR”, and others. And you
will be inspired by the harmonica playing of Paul Weimer.
Following the rally, please go to Municipal Park for the barbeque presented by the Christian Motorcycle Association. The
$1 burgers and sausages with $.25 drinks are the best deal you’ll find anywhere. The park is a great place to talk to all of your
old friends and make some new ones. The ICMS board will be there to answer any questions or listen to any suggestions or
problems. Please come talk to us. We want to get to know you.
Again, join us. Let’s make this the best and most successful Awareness Rally ever held.–Lane Triplett, Chairman
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces
Federal Ban on Texting for Commercial Truck Drivers
U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of
commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition is effective immediately and is the latest in a series
of actions taken by the Department to combat distracted driving since the Secretary convened a national summit on the
issue last September.
“We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe,” said Secretary LaHood.
“This is an important safety step and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving.” The action is
the result of the Department’s interpretation of standing rules. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial
vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750. "Our regulations will help prevent unsafe activity
within the cab,” said Anne Ferro, Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). “We want
to make it crystal clear to operators and their employers that texting while driving is the type of unsafe activity that these
regulations are intended to prohibit." FMCSA research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their
eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that
the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. Drivers who text
while driving are more than 20 times more likely to get in an accident than non-distracted drivers. Because of the safety
risks associated with the use of electronic devices while driving, FMCSA is also working on additional regulatory measures
that will be announced in the coming months.
During the September 2009 Distracted Driving Summit, the Secretary announced the Department’s plan to pursue this
regulatory action, as well as rule makings to reduce the risks posed by distracted driving. President Obama also signed an
Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or
with government-owned equipment. Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30,
2009. The regulatory guidance on today’s announcement will be on public display in the Federal Register January 26 and
will appear in print in the Federal Register on January 27.
The public can follow the progress of the U.S. Department of Transportation in working to combat distracted driving www.
distraction.gov.
Visit ICMS Board Members at the Iron Warriors Swap Meet on March 27th at the Maple Grove Grange,
11692 President DR., Boise, Idaho.
Find out what ICMS has been doing to protect your rights and safety.
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Carrying Passengers
By Stacey “AX” Axmaker
New riders often ask about taking passengers: ‘How much experience should I have before taking a passenger?’ Or ‘What’s different when
riding with a passenger?’ Taking a passenger with you on a ride opens up a whole new dimension of your motorcycling experience and
can be a great way to spend time with friends and family members. You need to be aware, however, that carrying a passenger will affect
the motorcycle’s handling. The bike will feel heavier at all speeds, acceleration will be reduced, and stopping distances will be longer.
Stability may be affected and your cornering clearance will likely be reduced in turns. In addition, you are now responsible for their comfort,
enjoyment, and most of all – their safety. They are putting their trust in you – make sure you’re ready for that responsibility.
Here are some tips to make the trip safe and enjoyable when carrying passengers:
1. First, do not carry passengers unless you are confident in your abilities and judgments and very comfortable on your
motorcycle. Practice away from traffic.
2. Adjust the suspension and tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations found in your owner’s manual.
3. Never carry a passenger in front of you. This is dangerous, and illegal in many jurisdictions.
4. Your passenger must be able to reach the footrests and should be able to look over your shoulder.
5. Be sure your passenger is wearing proper protective gear and that any boot laces are tucked in.
6. Show your passenger how to mount so that he or she can avoid the hot exhaust pipes. Have the bike started and ready to go
before the passenger mounts. Place both feet on the ground and squeeze the front brake. This stabilizes the
motorcycle for the passenger to mount and dismount.
7. Remember – you want your passenger to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Be as smooth as you can with
acceleration and braking. Let them know what to expect and help them to enjoy the ride.
Talk to your passenger before the first ride. Ask your passenger to follow these rules for safety and security:
• Notify the operator when you are ready to mount or dismount and wait for approval. This prevents surprise shifts of balance.
• Hold the operator’s waist or hips. This braces the passenger for acceleration or braking. Keep both feet on the footrests at
all times.
• Keep hands and feet away from moving and hot parts.
• Look over the rider’s shoulder in the direction of the turn.
• Avoid sudden moves that might affect stability.
• If the rider rises off the seat, so too should the passenger.
• Enjoy the ride!
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Since 1972
NONPROFIT ORG
IDAHO COALITION FOR US POSTAGE
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY, INC.
PAID
PO BOX 2732 BOISE, ID 73701-2732
BOISE ID
A non profit organization
PERMIT NO 313
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IDAHO COALITION FOR
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY, INC.
PO BOX 2732 BOISE, ID 83701-2732
A non profit organization