http://www.timesanddemocrat.com/articles/2008/08/03/opinion/doc4893782c57b7e011420463.txt
Time for S.C. to re-examine laws on motorcycles Sunday, August 03, 2008 Leave a Comment | Default | Large
THE ISSUE: Motorcycle laws
OUR OPINION: S.C. law should require training, use of safety equipment
The number of motorcycles on the road is likely to continue increasing as people look for gas-saving transportation alternatives. More bikes will mean more deaths.
It’s already happening. South Carolina is the 14th-worst state in the nation for motorcycle deaths. Motorcycle deaths have increased by 40 percent (from 87 in 2003 to 122 in 2007) in the last five years in South Carolina.
David E. Parsons, CEO and president of AAA Carolinas, which conducted a survey on motorcycle use and fatalities, said, “Registered motorcycles in the state represent only about 4 percent of registered vehicles but they are involved in 11 percent of all fatal traffic deaths. With an increase in motorcycle sales this year, the number of motorcycle fatalities will undoubtedly rise.”
With motorcycles becoming a primary mode of transportation, there is a need to re-evaluate how South Carolina law addresses the bikes.
The present law for motorcycle licenses allows a motorcycle to be legally driven on public streets without the motorcyclist ever having taken a Department of Motor Vehicle road test or a state-approved motorcycle training/education course.
Instead, the law allows a motorcyclist to receive an annual permit if they just pass a vision and written traffic knowledge test. The 12-month permit can be renewed indefinitely.
“Motorcyclists should be required to demonstrate their riding ability before being allowed to drive on public roads,” Parsons said. “AAA Carolinas supports a mandate to require all motorcyclists to complete a state-approved course before riding on public roads.”
As Parsons says, “It just makes sense for the safety of both the motorcyclist and other motorists.”
As important is wearing a helmet. South Carolina law allows motorcyclists to decide whether or not to wear a helmet. Not wearing a helmet is a major contributor to increased motorcyclists’ fatalities.
“It is much safer to ride a motorcycle with a helmet. Decreasing the number of motorcycle fatalities in South Carolina is dependent on the state passing a universal helmet law, which AAA Carolinas supports,” Parsons said.
About 75 percent of South Carolina motorcycle fatalities in the last five years were individuals who did not wear a helmet, according to state motorcycle fatality statistics compiled by the Department of Public Safety.
The state’s Office of Highway Safety would support a universal helmet law, according to Ed Harmon, assistant director of the office, a division of DPS.
“We believe that motorcyclists should wear U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets whenever they ride,” Harmon said. “We encourage motorcycle advocacy groups in the state to spread the message that they support the voluntary use of protective equipment such as motorcycle helmets.”
“The people who are dying in S.C. motorcycle crashes are mainly in the age groups of 35-55, male, and don’t wear a helmet,” Harmon said. “I expect most of those fatalities were individuals who did not take any motorcycle skills training.”
Lawmakers in Columbia saw fit to rescind the state’s previous helmet law and have steered clear of the wrath of biker organizations by refusing to reinstate it. It’s time to reconsider. Mandatory training and use of safety equipment are necessary as more and more bikers share the road with other vehicles.
Ride Free, Ride Often
Bill C.
"When the people fear the government you have tyranny ... when the government fears the people you have liberty." President Thomas Jefferson