Columbus, Ohio – Motorcycle fatalities have increased 35 percent over the last three years on Ohio's roads. With the beginning of another riding season, the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) is kicking off a new campaign to reverse that trend.
Yesterday, Motorcycle Ohio (MO), part of ODPS' Ohio Traffic Safety Office, gathered with partners to kick off the Ride SMART motorcycle safety campaign, which will work to address all aspects of motorcycle safety including:
- Ride Sober.
- Ride Motorcycle Endorsed.
- Ride Alert.
- Use the Right Gear.
- Ride Trained.
- Ride SMART.
"We have seen a downward trend in overall fatalities on Ohio's roads," said ODPS Director Henry Guzmán. "While this is positive, it is extremely concerning that motorcycle fatalities have increased. We must work to address areas that have seen increases in deaths and injuries to ensure we are keeping as many people as possible safe on Ohio's roads."
Partners of the Ride SMART campaign will reach out to as many motorcyclists and motorists as possible to remind them that everyone plays a critical role in motorcycle safety. MO is working with state and local partners (including the city of Columbus, Ohio State University, ODOT, the American Motorcyclist Association, American Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE), law enforcement and other safety partners) to get the message out to riders and motorists alike. MO and its partners will be working to continue these messages across the state during the entire riding season.
Components of the campaign include:
- distributing materials with safety messages at bars and establishments that host "Bike Nights,"
- working with local law enforcement and the Ohio State Highway Patrol to identify areas to host additional training courses,
- piloting a motorcycle training course taught in Spanish,
- airing public service announcements with safety messages directed toward motorists and motorcyclists,
- funding high-visibility enforcement to discourage high-risk behaviors like drinking and riding,
- working with as many partners as possible to get the word out to share the road and Ride SMART.
ODPS works to reduce deaths and injuries on Ohio's roads through the coordinated efforts of all of its Divisions. The Ohio Investigative Unit enforces liquor, tobacco and food stamp laws in liquor permit premises and the Ohio State Highway Patrol enforces traffic laws. The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) funds the efforts of OVI Task Forces and other grants for law enforcement to combat impaired and unsafe driving. OTSO also promotes educational programs, coalition-building efforts and campaigns focused on highway safety.An office within OTSO, MO works to address all of the issues that can impact motorcycle safety including education, training and motorist awareness.
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