Irvine, Calif., Nov. 17, 2008 – At the recent 7th International Motorcycle Conference held in Cologne, Germany, hosted by the Institut für Zweiradsicherheit e.V. (Institute for Motorcycle Safety) and co-sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, attendees had the opportunity to hear presentations by MSF President Tim Buche and Director of Training Systems Dr. Ray Ochs.
In his welcoming address, Buche spoke to a diverse group of more than 150 safety professionals and educational researchers. In his remarks, Buche urged participants, “…to make the most of this time that we have together. To shift into new gears. To learn from each other’s experiences. To share our research. To expand our thinking and explore new techniques and technologies. Most of all, to build consensus toward creating universal solutions for motorcycling and our fellow riders’ safety, for what we all care so very much about.”
Buche also presented on the topic of Integrating the Honda SMARTrainer with the MSF Rider Education and Training System for Improving Hazard Perception, based on the paper co-authored by MSF’s Dr. Sherry Williams and Lora Perez.
Buche called the SMARTrainer, “The right tool at the right time,” and described how MSF has taken the training tool and created supplemental Rider Education and Training System (RETS) learning opportunities that can be tailored to meet the needs of students at any RETS level: Learn to Ride, Return to Riding, or Ride Better.
He emphasized that the SMARTrainer is not a substitute for traditional training, but that, “… [by] applying contemporary techniques and a theory-driven curriculum-development approach to the SMARTrainer effort, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has transformed this sophisticated tool into an essential and effective element of a comprehensive Rider Education and Training System.
“In other words, we see it as an extremely valuable tool when used in conjunction with existing MSF curricula and under the watchful eye of a RiderCoach to promote motorcycle familiarization and safety renewal.”
Dr. Ochs presented Testing the Safety Renewal Concept: Preliminary Results from the Discovery Project, which was also co-authored by MSF’s Dr. Sherry Williams. His presentation summarized preliminary results of The Discovery Project, a multi-year research study that is supported by a cooperative agreement between MSF and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Discovery Project involves a series of longitudinal studies that tracks two groups of riders: those who take a single introductory course, and those who participate in ongoing safety renewal. Each group is assessed on skills, knowledge, attitudes and experiences. As defined by the MSF, safety renewal occurs when a rider is involved in a comprehensive Rider Education and Training System that includes introductory and advanced training courses with multiple entry points over a period of time.
Dr. Ochs focused on lessons learned from the Discovery Project pilot study where MSF tested various techniques for increasing project participation and return rates. By using a combination of personal communication, regular incentives and more easily facilitating the participation of scooter riders, MSF has improved the participant return rate significantly. The Discovery Project continues with active recruitment and assessment through 2009.
Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling.
The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
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