WHAT: In response to a five-year high in serious motorcycle crashes in Weber and Morgan counties, the Weber-Morgan Health Department has launched a motorcycle safety campaign in partnership with Utah Rider Ed, McKay-Dee Hospital, and the Ogden Police Department. The initiative kicks off just as warmer weather brings more riders onto Utah roads.
The media are invited to interview public health, law enforcement, and rider coaches to discuss motorcycle safety. Representatives from McKay Dee Hospital will discuss the results of tragic motorcycle crashes, and Law enforcement will discuss traffic safety trends and legislation that affects riders.
Dale Bell with Utah Rider Education will discuss the process for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement through his courses for all skill levels and give insights about how they conduct the hands-on training. Visuals will include campaign images and nearly 65 local riders on motorcycles taking a skills course, as a backdrop for the event.
WHEN: Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Newgate Mall, 3651 Wall Ave., Ogden, UT 84401 (Southwest parking lot behind Ross)
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WHO: (Media Availability)
• Dale Bale, Utah Rider Education
• Tammy Hinterman, Trauma Program Manager, Intermountain McKay Dee Hospital
• Glen Buss, Traffic Lieutenant, Ogden Police Department
STATISTICS:
• Of the 321 Severe motor vehicle crashes in Weber County, 27% were motorcycle-related. In Morgan County, Motorcycles were involved in 47% of severe crashes.
• The most common contributing factors are road conditions (intersection-related and roadway departure) and driver negligence (speeding).
• May, June, and July had the highest number of crashes.
• Roads with high concentrations of severe motorcycle involved motor vehicle crashes: Washington Blvd. and Trappers Loop Road.
• Crash Costs in Weber-Morgan Counties: For 2021-2022 the cost was $79.3 million for severe motorcycle-involved crashes and $12.4 million for motorcycle-involved fatal crashes, overall a 11% increase from 2019-2020. (Ref. 2024 report below)
For more information, see the Weber-Morgan Crash Report with detailed maps: https://site.utah.gov/webermorgan/wp-content/uploads/sites/60/2024/05/Severe-Motor-Vehicle-Related-Crash-Report-Weber-Morgan-Health-District-Final.pdf
MEDIA CONTACT
Lori Buttars, PIO
Weber-Morgan Health Department
801-399-7114
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