STAY ALIVE IN 2009

ü      RIDER EDUCATION -  In 2002 A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania supported legislation that increased funding for the Motorcycle Safety Program by increasing the surcharge on motorcycle permits and licenses from $2 to $5 annually.  The increased funding has allowed the MSP to open 10 new sites around the state while projecting averaging between 65 and 70 training sites in the future.  Presently there are 64 training sites operating.  In 2004, 23,402 students were trained.   A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania will continue to support and promote the Motorcycle Safety Program throughout the Commonwealth. 

ü      PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS – A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania is providing professionally produced radio spots promoting May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in the Commonwealth and additional spots promoting motorcycle awareness will be available throughout the riding season. 

ü      INCREASED PENALTIES – In 2004 A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania and the American Motorcyclist Association successfully supported passage of a provision that increased the penalties for careless driving offenses that kill or seriously injure others. 

ü      RESOLUTIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS – Governor Ed Rendell will issue a Proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The House of Representatives will also issue a Resolution designating May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. 

ü      OPERATION SAVE A LIFE – A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania will continue to promote and present its OSAL program in high schools and community centers to promote awareness of motorcycles on the highways. 

ü      INCREASED MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS – A.B.A.T.E of Pennsylvania will continue to work with the Department of Transportation to have motorcycle safety messages highlighted on the Departments automated message signs along the highways.  In addition we will work toward better signage/warnings to alert motorcyclists to special or dangerous road conditions. 

ü      VOLUNTARY NIGHT LIGHTING – A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania will have legislation introduced to allow for additional night lighting of motorcycles to make them more visible to other traffic.