News Room

Boise, IDAHO, August 2011 – Idaho STAR, the state’s rider-training program, reported today that motorcycle crashes on Idaho roadways appear to be substantially reduced during the current 2011 riding season to date in comparison to years prior, based on unofficial first quarter statistics from the Office of Highway Safety. Crashes involving motorcyclists through March, 2011 were 50% of the average of the previous five years while fatalities were down by 66%.

“Both the economy and our wetter, colder weather early in the year are certainly factors in the decreased motorcycle crashes, but we’re optimistic that both Idaho riders and drivers are more mindful of their surroundings and driving more safely,” said Ax Axmaker, Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program Director. “As rider training resources continue to be available across the state and overall awareness of motorcyclists continues to increase, we hope this trend continues. We want riders across the state to make it home safe and sound to their loved ones after every ride.”

The Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program was established in 1994 to reduce crashes and fatalities involving motorcyclists, primarily through rider training and education programs. STAR provides training for all levels of experience and ability, from people just thinking about buying a motorcycle, all the way up to expert riders. All courses are taught by Idaho-certified Instructors and STAR training is associated with a 71% reduced crash risk and an 81% reduction in the risk of a fatal crash.

As part of its ongoing awareness efforts and training curriculum, the Idaho STAR team regularly monitors statewide crash statistics involving both motorcycle and scooter riders and uses feedback from riders and instructors to refine and reinforce areas of training in each course, especially when it comes to fatal crashes involving riders. According to 2009 and 2010 data from the Idaho Strategic Highway Safety Plan Motorcycle Safety Committee, most of the data indicates rider error as a significant factor especially when it comes to misjudging corners and running off the road. Other notable findings include:

• Nearly 50% of motorcycle fatalities are riders between the age of 30 and 60, and 69% are over the age of 40
• More than 76% of the motorcycles involved in fatal crashes are considered “cruiser” or “tourer” bikes
• Drugs and/or alcohol were contributing factors to 29% of fatal crashes
• 39% of Idaho riders involved in the data did not have a motorcycle endorsement
• Only 14% of Idaho riders involved had passed a rider training course.

“Strong winds were the primary cause of my crash a number of years ago, but if my passenger and I had both gone through Idaho STAR training beforehand I believe we could have stayed on center and avoided a pretty serious crash,” said Shea, current rider and Idaho STAR training graduate. “STAR does a great job making riders focus on the basics so they know what to do in the moment of truth and to avoid the situations that lead to crashes.”

"We have courses almost every weekend that prepare riders to head out on the road and ride safely, whether they have yet to ride or have been a rider for decades." “We welcome anyone who wants to become a better rider to join us and help make Idaho’s roadways safer for everyone.”

About Idaho STAR

The Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program began rider training in 1995. STAR is an Idaho Division of Professional -Technical Education program and is accredited by the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA). STAR training is associated with a 79% reduced crash risk and an 89% reduction in the risk of a fatal crash. STAR provides courses for all levels of riders, taught by Idaho certified instructors.