2008 Coast Guard National Motorcycle Safety Summit

1. 2008 Coast Guard National Motorcycle Safety Summit

2. By day; Mild mannered OS RFMC By night – a biker BRC: 05/13/1982 (equivalent) License: 05/15/1982 ERC: 06/14/1983 (equivalent) Mileage: 150,000+ Last 4 years: ~50,000 Bikes Owned: 5 (1 Enduro, 2 Cruisers, 2 Touring) TCT Facilitator Local Harley Owner’s Group Chapter “Group Rider” Trainer HOG Chapter “Road Captain” Trainer Informal advisor to the MCPO-CG on MC Safety OSCM Phil Rolfe

3. 2007 Harley-Davidson Coast Guard Special Edition Ultra Classic Electra Glide

4. MC Safety & Leadership "We must make it a priority to determine what positive steps we can take to reduce the occurrence of Motor Cycle Mishaps involving our CG Family, while giving due respect to our people's rights to engage in Motor Cycle riding“ MCPO-CG Charles “Skip” Bowen

5. MC Safety & Leadership …to determine what positive steps we can take to reduce the occurrence of Motor Cycle Mishaps involving our CG Family…

6. Procedures Used • Reviewed all MC Mishaps in system from 01 Jan 2006 until 7 Jul 2008 • Reviewed most current Federal Stats • Reviewed 1977 based “Hurt” Study (A significant source of our regs) • Discounted Mishaps where off-road riding was the original intention of the MV

7. Reducing # of MISHAPs • Can not reduce what we don’t know is happening: • Near ZERO QC of PMV MISHAP reporting. • No Subject matter expertise required for PMV MISHAP reporting! • Minimal detailed guidance / requirements for level of detail. • POOR ASSUMPTIONS, worse leadership and incorrect facts run rampant in MC MH Reports! • PPE may reduce severity, not # of accidents or even # of MISHAPS. (exception some class Ds may become non reportable) • PPE requirements symbolize failure of hope for other tactics to work.

8. Quotable Quotes “MBR VERY EXPERIENCED MOTORCYCLE RIDER (ESTIMATED UP TO 1000 MILES PER YEAR, FOR PAST 18 YEARS). “ Corrective Actions: When you are negotiating a turn decrease your rate of speed so that you can maintain positive control of the vehicle at all times. Corrective Actions: Member was directed not to ride on base until a motorcycle license is obtained, he also was counseled on safe riding practices and realized his PPE protected him from more serious injury. Corrective Actions: Recommend the member attend a motor cycle safety class. Not only is a motorcycle operator's safety course required prior to riding on a military facility, it can lower insurance rates. Most importantly, it is just the smart thing to do.

9. Quotable Quotes All motorcycle riders aboard Sector XXXXXXXXX have taken the required Motorcycle Safety Foundation course to obtain DHS decal for vehicle. Member had not completed the basic motorcycle safety course and this command is currently re-evaluating how we promote the policies outlined in COMDTINST M5100.47. observation of the road ahead is an important factor in motorcycle safety. PPE: member was wearing a full face helmet, a kevlar lined riding jacket and gloves, which are required PPE for riding a motorcycle. This member was counseled on doning of the proper PPE, MSF Course, BASE Policy, XXXX Instruction, and the COMDTS Policy for motorcycle,ATV, dirt bike, and bicycle use on all Federal installations (Especially Coast Guard Property).

10. Quotable Quotes MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION (MSF) STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE MOST COMMON MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT IS A SITUATION IN WHICH A VEHICLE MAKES A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF A MOTORCYCLE. Narrative: MBR WAS RIDING MOTORCYCLE IN THE LEFT LANE OF A THREE LANE HIGHWAY AT 35 MPH WHEN A MOTORIST CUT INTO MBR'S LANE. MBR HONKED HIS HORN, LOST CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, FELL OVER, AND SKIDDED 15 FEET ALONG THE ROAD. Corrective Actions: MBR WILL ATTEMPT TO BRAKE SOONER IF A VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SWERVES INTO MBR'S LANE. Corrective Actions: Provided all hands travel safety training, which included a section on motorcycle safety and PPE. Researching possibilities of requiring stricter PPE and mandatory motorcycle safety course for all hands who ride a motorcycle.

11. Quotable Quotes Narrative: …..When member neared the exit, member struck the rear of another vehicle. Member was thrown from motorcycle into and through the back window of vehicle involved in collision. Corrective Actions: ….. Member will wear a reflective vest at night on a motorcycle. …Had the member not been wearing the appropriate PPE…the only additional recommendation for PPE would be the use of a reflective vest to increase visibility of the rider. (Rear ended by a drunk) Corrective Actions: Remove engine cage. Additional Causes: The engine cage installed on the motorcycle was the causative factor in the mishap. Cage caught the pavement during what should have been a routinely executed turn. 7. REQUIRED PPE WORN PROPERLY: YES A. MBR WAS WEARING HELMET, SAFETY GLOVES, LONG SLEEVED SHIRT, AND SHOES.

12. What info DO we have?URBAN Myths and the two wheeled demon The following info is pulled from various federal databases and studies

13. True or False • Q: CG members are getting into accidents on motorcycles at disproportionately higher rates than those in cars…… • A: UNKNOWN. Data for MCs is reported at a higher rate due to the increased likelihood of the accident being a REPORTABLE MISHAP. It is unknown how many ‘accidents’ our folks have in cars. (Just starting to get data on how many even ride!)

14. True or False • Q: More than a third of all fatal single vehicle MC accidents involved criminal activity on the part of the MC operator…. • A: TRUE! 41% of Single Vehicle fatalities were DWI. 27% of All fatalities (single and multi vehicle) were DWI, 7% MORE were DUIWorst age groups: 35-49! Not the ‘kids’! • (of added interest – a third of all single vehicle fatalities and a quarter of all fatalities were unlicensed!)

15. True or False • Q: MCs drive drunk more than car drivers.. • A: Unknown. We see higher % of MC fatalities with a recordable BAC than ‘cagers’ fatalities with a recordable BAC. We don’t know how many drunk cagers make it home safe! The odds are much worse on a bike.Unfortunately, on average about half of all MC Fatality victims are DUI or DWI!

16. True or False • Q: The most common fatal MC accident is another vehicle failing to yield the right of way… • A: FALSE. ~49% of all fatalities were single vehicle accidents!Of the remaining ones: (additional total %s listed) • MC Operator Speeding: 14% • No MC DL: 12% • MC Operator Alcohol Involved: 12% (8% DWI) • ONLY~15% of all MC fatal accidents involved citation to ‘other guy’ • If you assume everyone speeding was also drunk without a license, that means 63% of all fatal accidents the MC operator is culpable! (obviously that number is higher, likely 75-80%)

17. True or False • Q: Interstates are the most dangerous places, MCs should stick to the rural/side roads. • A: False. Only about 4% of the fatalities occur on Interstates.

18. True or False • Q: A vast majority of multi-vehicle accidents occur at intersections. • A: False. It is actually 50/50.

19. The heartless straight up numbers! • The following info represent a consensus, cold-hearted, OPINION by three highly experienced riders and CG leaders.(One Sport Bike, One Touring, one mixed, All Chiefs) • All on-road MISHAPS classified as: • 1) Reckless, unlawful or criminal activity • 2) Identifiable skill or judgment error led to or seriously aggravated MISHAP • 3) No identifiable error on MVs part

20. MC MISHAPS by Class Class A 9 (5%) Death Perm Full disability Class D 26 (15%) >First Aid NFFD <30 days Class B 3 (2%) Perm Partial Disability Class C 137 (78%) Lost Work Days NFFD >30 Days

21. On Road Mishaps by CauseJan 06 - present Bad Luck. 34 MHs 19% Reckless, Unlawful or CRIMINAL behavior. 46 MHs 26% Poor Skills or Judgement 95 MHs 55%

22. Eliminate MC Rider errors:Jan 06- present

23. WELCOME TO THE U.S. COAST GUARD NATIONAL SPORTS SAFETY CONFERENCE

24. Sports VS MC Mishaps

25. Reckless, Unlawful or Criminal

26. Poor Judgment or Skills

27. Common Operator Errors • Improper Braking Techniques • Improper Cornering Techniques • Improper Speed for Environment • Untimely Recognition of Hazards

28. MC Safety & Leadership "We must make it a priority to determine what positive steps we can take to reduce the occurrence of Motor Cycle Mishaps involving our CG Family, while giving due respect to our peoples’ rights to engage in Motor Cycle riding“ MCPO-CG Charles “Skip” Bowen

29. MC Safety & Leadership … while giving due respect to our people's rights to engage in Motor Cycle riding …

30. True or False • Q: Our training requirements are very well in line with the USN. We actually require less from our members than they do! • A: FALSE. The CNO and SECNAV have ordered their commands to PROVIDE the initial and recurring training. They don’t issue the unfunded mandate that we do!

31. True or False • Q: Helmet wear for all riders is the most common PPE requirement in states’ laws… • A: FALSE. Actually, eye protection is. 34 states require eye protection for all riders. Only 20 states require helmets for all.

32. Comparable State Laws • Eye Protection: 34/50 (17 of the 34 consider a windscreen eye protection) • Helmet required for all: 20/50 (2 States have no helmet law, the other 28 are based on age and/or experience) • Two Mirrors: 6/50 • Retro upper body: 0/50 (9 require it on helmet) • Gloves: 0/50 • Boots: 0/50 • ‘Bright’ upper garment: 0/50 • Long Pants: 0/50 • Long Sleeve: 0/50 Source: AMA Website

33. Suggestions to consider.. • Fix the (PMV) MISHAP reporting system! • Promulgate detailed standards • Idiot proof with direct, customized questions? • Initiate QC reviews • Facts, details and leadership • Re-emphasize purpose to ID mistakes and prevent further occurrences (not to eulogize or excuse) • Require SME as independent member for all Class A and B MABs (Current, regular, experienced rider of leadership grade)

34. Suggestions to consider.. • Focus Motorcycle Safety Specific actions on ‘preventing the preventable.’ • ‘Write off’ the ‘criminal’ activities • Accept the bad luck • Improve the judgment & skills • Mentoring & Leadership • Education • Training

35. Suggestions to consider.. • Shift tactics on ‘Regs’ • Remove ‘Command Authority’ for timeline of BRC • Clarify ‘license’ issues. • ‘Training Wheels’ time w/o BRC??? (What does instruction say now?) • Eliminate obvious and/or outdated nonsense • Eliminate empty threats, Enforce everyday standards. • PPE: • Prioritize & Minimize ‘zero option’ requirements • Provide supportable rationale for those requirements • Provide better judgment tools for rest of suggested PPE • Explain the options, risk-vs-gain, etc.

36. Suggestions to consider.. • Safety & Leadership Campaign • Riding, in a lawful manner within one’s skill set, is a perfectly acceptable, environmentally & economically friendly mode of transportation. • Unlawful acts simply will not be tolerated. • Operating a motor vehicle w/o a license for that vehicle • Reckless Driving • DWI & DUI • Toleration of unlawful acts is a Leadership Failure and will not be, well, tolerated. • Drop the phrase “on base” from everyone’s vocabulary. Not one single ‘on base’ MISHAP. (and it isn’t because of the rules!)