4.2 Communications and Outreach: Awareness of Motorcyclists
When motorcycles crash with other vehicles, the other vehicle driver usually violates the motorcyclist's right-of-way (NCHRP, under review, Strategy G3; NHTSA, 2000a, Motorist Awareness). Motorcycles and motorcyclists obviously are a smaller visual target than cars or trucks. Motorcyclists may not be conspicuous (see Chapter 5, Section 4.1). Also, drivers may not expect to see motorcycles on the road and may not anticipate how motorcycles are likely to be driven (NCHRP, under review, Strategy G3; NHTSA, 2000a, Motorist Awareness). Several States have conducted communications and outreach campaigns to increase other drivers' awareness of motorcyclists. Typical themes are "Share the Road" or "Watch for Motorcyclists." Some States build a campaign around a "Motorcycle Awareness Month," often in May, early in the summer riding season. Many motorcyclist organizations, including MSF, SMSA, the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and State motorcycle rights organizations, have driver awareness material available. See NCHRP (under review, Strategy G3) for links and references. These organizations also make presentations on drivers' awareness of motorcyclists to driver education classes. Use: The number of States that conduct campaigns to increase drivers' awareness of motorcycles and motorcyclists is not known. NCHRP (under review, Strategy G3) provides examples or links to campaigns from 11 States. Effectiveness: There are no evaluations of the effectiveness of campaigns to increase driver awareness of motorcyclists (NCHRP, under review, Strategy E1). NHTSA conducted a demonstration of driver awareness programs in New York and Washington but the results have not yet been released (NHTSA, 2003, p. 18). Costs: Good communications and outreach campaigns can be expensive to develop and implement: see Chapter 2, Section 3.1. Motorcyclist awareness material is available from various sources including the MSF, other motorcyclist organizations, and States that have conducted these campaigns (NCHRP, under review, Strategy E1). Time to implement: A good campaign, including market research, message development and testing, and implementation, will require at least six months to plan and implement. A good campaign, including market research, material development, and message placement, will require at least six months to plan and implement. |
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