South Dakota Motorcycle Rider Education Program Presentation

by Rick Kiley

Director, Motorcycle Rider Education ProgramSouth Dakota Safety Council

2008 South DakotaTransportation Safety Conference

“Transportation Safety & Our Youth”February, 19 & 20, 2008

Ramkota InnPierre, South Dakota

South Dakota Motorcycle Rider Education Program

South Dakota Safety Councilwww.southdakotasafetycouncil.org

offered by the

History of TrainingYear Students Trained

1977 226

1978 304

1979 641

1980 1149

1981 1287

1982 899

1983 875

1984 735

1985 678

1986 601

History of Training (continued)

Year Students Trained

1987 425

1988 337

1989 407

1990 436

1991 388

1992 346

1993 404

1994 329

1995 355

1996 388

History of Training (continued)

Year Students Trained

1997 403

1998 419

1999 537

2000 776

2001 942

2002 1114

2003 1342

2004 1591

2005 1663

2006 1792

History of Training (continued)

Year Students Trained

2007 1834

TOTAL 23,623Represents 13 consecutive years of increases in

trainingTraining has increased 5 ½ times during this periodThe total number of students trained equals 44% of

all registered motorcycles in the state of South Dakota (*2006 SD Motor Vehicles Division Registration Statistics))

Funding SourceOne of the first states in the nation with a legislated

state funding source$7 fee on all motorcycles registeredStudent Tuition (presently $75)Federal Grants (used at times in the past)Acknowledgements:Funded by the Motorcyclists of South DakotaSD ABATE, SD Office of Highway Safety, SD

legislators, SD Motorcycle Dealers and other organizations and individuals have been highly supportive

No state tax dollars other than the fees paid by motorcyclists are used to support this program

Training SitesAberdeen Redfield

Brookings (future) Sioux Falls (4 sites)

Huron Spearfish/Sturgis

Madison Watertown

Mitchell (future) Webster

Pierre Yankton

Rapid City (2 sites)

Mobile sites are possible providing there is demand, required space (200’x300’), and facilities

Program Personnel

61 dedicated RiderCoaches statewideAll RiderCoaches have state and national certification

through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF)Must recertify every two years – involves actively

teaching, attending update training, and participating in professional development & learning activities

Program administrator, 2 part time regional coordinators, and other office support staff

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)

BRC General Information:Intended for beginning riders of legal licensing age or

returning ridersTwo day course (15 hours) – many schedule options

availableSafety equipment required: helmet, eye protection,

gloves, jacket, pants, and over the ankle bootsQualifies graduates for motorcycle license test waiverQualifies graduates for insurance premium discounts

with some motorcycle insurers

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)(continued)

BRC General Information (continued):The BRC is a minimum of five hours of classroom

instructionInvolves at least ten hours of practical riding in a

controlled, off-street environment, typically a parking lot

Motorcycles are provided (combination of state owned, SDSC owned, and new motorcycles loaned by local dealers)

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)(continued)

BRC Riding Skills:Learn how to operate a motorcycle safely, with a lot

of emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for dealing with traffic

Skills taught include: straight-line riding, turning, shifting and stopping

Gradually progress to cornering, swerving and emergency braking

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)(continued)

BRC Classroom Instruction:Includes: learning about the different types of

motorcycles, their controls, and how they operateAdvise on what to wear for comfort and protectionInformation on how alcohol and other drugs affect

your ability to ride safelyLearn how to create your own strategy for riding in

traffic, and dealing with critical situations

Basic RiderCourse (BRC)(continued)

Graduation Requirements:Knowledge Test score: a minimum average correct of

80% or higherSkill Evaluation: 20 or fewer deductions on 4 riding

skills test exercises

Experienced RiderCourse (ERC)

ERC General Information:Even if you've been riding for some time, there's

always something new to learnThe ERC is a ½ day (5 hour) courseMust be licensed with at least one year riding

experience

Experienced RiderCourse (ERC)(continued)

ERC General Information (continued):Participants use their own insured and safe operating

motorcycleSafety equipment required: helmet, eye protection,

gloves, jacket, pants, and over the ankle bootsQualifies graduates for insurance premium discounts

with some motorcycle insurers

Experienced RiderCourse (ERC)(continued)

ERC Curriculum:Participants hone their skills and fine-tune the mental

skills needed for survival in trafficUsing your own motorcycle, you'll put into practice

the techniques of managing traction, stopping quickly, cornering and swerving

Discuss with peers how to balance the mental and physical aspects of safe riding, manage risk, increase visibility and optimize your lane position

Experienced RiderCourse (ERC)(continued)

ERC Curriculum (continued):Also covers protective gear, rider responsibility,

motorcycle inspection and care, the effects of alcohol and other drugs on riding

Includes an optional skill evaluation and knowledge test

How to Register for a Course

Online Registration availablewww.southdakotasafetycouncil.orgCheck the website for courses close to you or

call the South Dakota Safety Council at 1-800-952-5539