1. Enforcing Motorcycle Laws and Educating Riders
Presented by:
Will Stoy---Motor Officer
Meridian Police Dept., Meridian, Idaho

2. 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

3. How to stop the motorcyclist
Planning the stop
Approaching the rider
Interacting with the rider
Educating the rider after the stop

4. Why do you hesitate to stop a motorcyclist?

5. Motorcycle Crash Statistics
75% of fatalities were rider error
72% cruisers/touring bikes % sport bikes
68% over 40 years old
84% had not completed rider training course
38% no endorsement
36% some form of impairment

6. 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)

7. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

13. 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

15. More Stats 2011--------17 fatalities 2012-------23 fatalities
12 did not involve another vehicle
fatalities
17 did not involve another vehicle
fatalities
14 did not involve another vehicle
2014—25 fatalities
fatalities

16. Time for Education

17. 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

18. Crash Reporting Helmet Use Gear Use Prior Rider Education
Detailed narratives
Not JUST for the insurance companies

19. Questions or Comments