This Labor Day weekend, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the national Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign to help keep impaired motorcyclists off the road. The campaign runs August 17 through September 3, 2018.
This enhanced enforcement is made possible through grant funding by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by Oregon Department of Transportation.
According to NHTSA, in 2016, there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes—a 5.1-percent increase from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015.
In 2016, two-wheeled motorcycles accounted for 93 percent of all motorcycles in fatal crashes.
Even though motorcycles account for only about 3 percent of registered vehicles on the road, motorcycle riders are dramatically overrepresented in fatal crashes, especially those involving alcohol.
In 2016, motorcycle riders involved (killed and survived) in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than any other type of motor vehicle driver (25% for motorcycle riders, 21% for passenger cars, 20% for light-truck drivers, and 2% for drivers of large trucks).
In 2016, the highest percentage of fatally injured, alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders were in the 35-to-39 age group (38%), followed by the 45-to-49 age group (37%), and the 40-to-44 age group (32%).
In 2016, there were 4,950 motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
In 2016, the reported helmet use rate for alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes was 50 percent, as compared to 65 percent for those with no alcohol consumed (BAC=.00 g/dL).
Always practice general motorcycle safety: Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective clothing, never ride while distracted, be properly licensed, and don’t speed.
Remember that it is never okay to drink and ride. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.
Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on Google Play for Android devices: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhtsa.SaferRide&hl=en), and Apple’s iTunes Store for iOS devices: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saferride/id950774008?mt=8). SaferRide allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so he or she can be picked up.
If you see a drunk driver on the road call 911 to report the driver.
Have a friend who is about to drink and ride? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
Drunk driving can cost you your life, but it can also cost you financially. Here’s how:
If you’re caught drinking and driving, you could face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment if you’re unable to report to the office. The cost of a DUI can reach $10,000. Don’t risk it.
More information about motorcycle safety can be found at: www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals who live in and travel through Polk County. One of the most important safety measures individuals can take is to simply buckle up.