Enforcing Motorcycle Laws and Educating Riders Presented by: Will Stoy---Motor Officer Meridian Police Dept., Meridian, Idaho
OBJECTIVES Why don’t officer stop motorcycles? Why should law enforcement actively make stops on motorcycles Impaired Riders Fatality rates Properly licensed Education and training
How to stop the motorcyclist Planning the stop Approaching the rider Interacting with the rider Educating the rider after the stop
Why do you hesitate to stop a motorcyclist?
Motorcycle Crash Statistics 75% of fatalities were rider error 72% cruisers/touring bikes--------15% sport bikes 68% over 40 years old 84% had not completed rider training course 38% no endorsement 36% some form of impairment
DUI Detection Cues for Motorcycles NHTSA study Interviews with experienced Officer Database of 1,000 motorcycle DUI arrest reports Officers narratives Motorcyclists’ behaviors Effective cues identified to be predictive of a DUI 14 cues to predict impaired motorcycle operation Excellent cues (50% or greater probability) Good Cues (30 to 50 % probability)
Excellent Cues (50% or greater probability) Drifting during turn or curve Turning problems (unsteady, sudden corrections, late braking, improper lean angles) Inattentive to surroundings Unusual behavior (carrying or dropping objects, disorderly conduct, urinating on the side of the road) Weaving (except to avoid road hazards) Trouble with dismount Trouble with balance at stop lights, stop signs, traffic stop
Good Cues (30 to 50% probability Erratic movements while going straight Operating without lights at night Recklessness Following too close Running stop lights or stop signs Evasion Wrong way rider
Stopping the motorcyclist Plan the stop Motorcycles may try to evade officers Gather information Plate Motorcycle type and color Rider apparel and identifying characteristics Activate onboard video Select safe spot prior to activating emergency lights Away from traffic Solid surface
Approaching the rider Have the rider shut off the motorcycle—remove keys Side stand down Approach on the right side Most riders dismount on left side Puts Officer at a position of advantage Officer can hit off/run switch on right handlebar if needed Don’t treat every rider like an outlaw
Interacting with the Rider Greet them and ask them to remove their helmet Rider may be wearing ear plugs or ear buds listening to music Easier to communicate--personal You will need to identify them later in court Ask for documents Lots of compartments—be alert, ask about weapons Lots of pockets—be aware May have to dismount and open saddle bags Have them remain seated on the motorcycle or away from traffic
More Stats 2011--------17 fatalities 2012-------23 fatalities 12 did not involve another vehicle 2012-------23 fatalities 17 did not involve another vehicle 2013-------26 fatalities 14 did not involve another vehicle 2014—25 fatalities 2015---28 fatalities
Time for Education
Educate the rider Cited for no endorsement Recommend dismissal if endorsement achieved through motorcycle training course Ask about their experience and training as a motorcyclist 75% of fatalities were rider error Improper cornering --- improper braking Recommend continuing rider training Talk to them about their gear choice If not wearing a helmet ask them why Talk to them about their family PR events are excellent for education
Crash Reporting Helmet Use Gear Use Prior Rider Education Detailed narratives Not JUST for the insurance companies
Questions or Comments