TDOS Joins Agencies to Urge Drivers & Riders to “Share the Road”

Other agencies involved in Saturday’s festivities included Nashville Superspeedway, Tennessee Truckers Association, Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and Walk/Bike Nashville. The event got underway at 2 p.m. and a media event promoting motorcycle and bicycle safety was held at 5 p.m.  

 

“We are proud to partner with other local agencies that promote safety awareness and the importance of rider education,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Saturday’s festival is an excellent reminder for motorcyclists and motorists alike to pay attention, receive the proper training and to share the road.” 

 

Departing from Maryville, Collierville and Chattanooga this morning, motorcycle riders descended on Nashville to participate in the festival and to aid in the city’s flood relief effort. After the severe storm and flooding that struck the area early this month, XDL, along with WBUZ/WPRT, Precision Motorsports and Revolution MC launched the “Motorcyclists Give Back” crusade. The community service project will donate half of the profits from the XDL Championship series to support flood relief, and any bottled water, dry goods, canned food and clothing contributed will also go towards the cause. 

 

"While motorcycle riders are reminded to follow the rules of the road, other road users are cautioned to look out for motorcycles," stated GHSO Director Kendell Poole. "All vehicle operators should Share the Road." 

 

Motorcycle fatalities nationwide have steadily increased over the past decade. In Tennessee, the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes jumped from 42 in 1998 to 143 in 2008. However, preliminary data indicates a decline to 120 motorcycle fatalities in 2009. Statistics for 2000-2009 and a list of Motorcycle Safety Tips, along with information on the Motorcycle Rider Education Program are attached to this release.

 

Tennessee is also committed to creating safer roads for bicyclists as well. In 2007, the state passed the Jeff Roth and Brian Brown Bicycle Protection Act, commonly referred to as the 3-feet law. It states that a motor vehicle must give a safe zone of no less than 3 feet when passing a cyclist on a road in the state of Tennessee; a violation of this law is a Class C Misdemeanor. 

  

Motorcyclists and bicyclists must also share in the responsibility by following the rules of the road and wearing protective gear. Tennessee law requires the more than 300,000 Tennessee riders and their passengers to wear approved helmets and protective eyewear.

“It is imperative that motorcyclists educate themselves by taking an accredited training course and never ride beyond their skill ability,” said Captain Tony Barham of the TDOS Alternative Commercial Enforcement Strategies (A.C.E.S) unit. “They are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle occupants. The proper knowledge, training and protective wear will help make motorcyclists safer and more effective on the roads.”  

 

The Department of Safety’s Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) approves courses and instructors across the state. MREP also offered a Basic Rider Education Course at the Nashville Superspeeedway today. To find out more about the program, go to: http://tennessee.gov/safety/mrep.htm 

 

The mission of the Motorcycle Awareness Foundation of Tennessee (MAFT) is to remind drivers to stay alert for the less visible motorcycles on the roadways. To find out more information about the MAFT, go to www.maft.us