Focus Group Results

1. Focus Group Results CG ideas to address PMV mishaps Stop with the “death by PowerPoint”…it doesn’t work. Focus on real victims telling their stories, videos of accident results, and economic consequences Promote open discussion of close calls so everyone can benefit from the lesson learned…no retribution PPE options may pose risk due to discomfort, heat stress and fatigue Improve access to training/tuition assistance Require periodic training/refresher Educate MV operators on the risks to MC riders

2. Focus Group Results CG ideas to address PMV mishaps (cont.) Create awards and incentives for mishap free units Create defensive driving classes Membership to race tracks Stricter punishment of DUI (permanent loss of license, mandatory driver training) Install breathalyzer and speed governors in cars Better work schedules More telecommuting

3. Focus Group Results CG ideas to address PMV mishaps (cont.) Morale shuttle, taxi reimbursement, free rides Designated rest facilities/hotels (Preplan before event) Take keys prior to drinking Designated driver “People drink and drive because they don’t get caught”

4. Focus Group Results DoD – Defense Safety Oversight Council (DSOC) Private Motor Vehicle Task Force Most at risk population Sports bike riders 18-26 yrs of age 12 members from all services 10 sportbike 2 cruiser (V-Twin style) 1 year to “lifer” in experience level

5. Focus Group Results (DSOC) Training 9 took safety training and 3 are self taught Considered training good for all levels of experience Need more experienced-level courses PPE Consider it optional, even helmets, depends on bike, speed and riding conditions Vests can cause heat and discomfort leading to fatigue Push limits since they feel more protected. “Full leather…anything goes” “Sometimes being too careful is just as bad” “Cool factor”…girls can’t see you!

6. Focus Group Results (DSOC) Risk Taking/ “Need for Speed” Deflected question to focus on MV lack of respect for MC…MVs “just want to mess with us” Want to show how fast MC is compared to MV Like the “rush” of speed and cornering Primary reason for sports bike purchase All 12 felt the “need for speed” MVs are seen as a “barrier” to MC riders Speed anytime I can…”just give me 50’ of room” Responses show they consider factors (road, traffic) when making decision to speed

7. Focus Group Results (DSOC) Why push the limits? Adrenaline rush All Alpha males… competition and being the best Restrictions (MC Safety purpose) lead to “outlaw” mentality MC treated different than MV for violations Motorists MVs don’t receive much MC sensitivity…best approach is to get them on a MC MVs are the primary cause of MC mishaps MCs must maintain focus 100% of the time while MVs talk on the phone, read, etc. MVs do not respect the MC

8. Focus Group Results (DSOC) Crashes/Mishaps Focus on riding under the influence…very common causal factor for the crash (sports bike vs cruiser) 10 of 12 had experienced a crash and considered the event the best learning opportunity Very paranoid at intersections Don’t consider videos or testimonials very effective for training or changing behavior Need to experience the event to change behaviors More concerned about damage to bike than self

9. Focus Group Results (DSOC) Drink and Ride? NO!! “Hasn’t affected me yet” “I don’t get hammered” “Tell buddies that if you drink and ride, I will not help you” Alcohol reduced reaction…lower BAC for MC riders

10. Focus Group Results (DSOC) Safety Strategies/Restrictions Riding in groups makes you a better rider Provide place to speed, do stunts, be aggressive Organize “track days” or “safety fairs” where one can practice skills Coordinate with local law enforcement MC crews for training and group rides Restrictions on base (e.g., need for certifications) lead to people keeping bikes a secret “Don’t want to wait for certifications before I can ride” Too many restrictions…why not follow state laws?

11. Opportunities Using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) as a risk management approach, the following are offered as opportunities to mitigate MV/MC mishaps - Acts Pre-conditions Supervision Organization

12. Opportunities Acts – Behavior/attitude changes Training/Education Does current training meet needs Open exchange of lessons learned Peer/mentoring riding programs Simulators Access to speed tracks/MC morale events Behavior based checkpoints (PPE use, speeding, aggressive riding, etc.) non-punitive Aggressive consequences for violations (training, probation, loss of license)

13. Opportunities Pre-conditions Environment Technology Improve visibility of MC (flashing headlight, noise, etc.) Physical Road conditions and characteristics (distractions, debris, embankments, etc.) Condition of individual Fatigue, physical fitness, nutrition, personality traits

14. Opportunities Supervision Set expectations and monitor compliance with training and PPE requirements. Create a “NO MC FATALITY” culture and establish milestones and rewards that are valued by crew members. Organize MC events that allow members to demonstrate proficiencies and push thresholds in a safe setting (e.g., speed track). Restrictions should emphasize accountability/consequences and not punishment Evaluate work schedule requirements and consequence of fatigue.

15. Opportunities Organizational Provide opportunities for training and skill building Create a “NO MC FATALITY” culture and establish recognition/rewards for meeting milestones that are valued by crew members. Create a venue/forum for discussing MC safety restriction with the intent of reaching a unified position and consensus on the types and conditions of restrictions. Publish doctrine that formally states the restrictions and consequences of violations.