NHTSA Devotes Time And Dollars To Study Motorcycle DUI
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes are 2.5 times more likely to have consumed alcohol than passenger vehicle drivers. In 2007, the number of alcohol-impaired motorcyclists in fatal crashes increased by 10 percent while the number of alcohol-impaired drivers of passenger cars declined 6 percent. (NHTSA defines “alcohol impaired” for vehicle operators over 21 with Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) measured over the 50-state legal limit of 0.08 grams/deciliter.) Because of these statistics, NHTSA has singled out the riding community for targeted DUI enforcement efforts.
In the mid-90s, NHTSA conducted focus groups of 70 men and 15 women who admitted they drank and rode motorcycles. Judge for yourself if NHTSA was fair in its representation of motorcyclists. For example, one motorcyclist from Denver said a little alcohol improved his riding. “I know that when I ride and I have a beer it feels better riding. It loosens you up – it relieves tension,” he said, “It feels more exciting riding. You enjoy your ride better if you have one beer.” ”If you don’t fall down within the first few feet, you’re going to be okay,” said the rider from Denver, “I’ve seen guys do that. There’s something about being on a motorcycle – you focus yourself. When you get on your motorcycle and hit the road, the wind and the air just seem to go, “Boom, I’m okay now.” Another rider from Boston concurred. “If they’re totally wasted, then you worry about their safety,” he said, “If they’re just a little bit wasted then it’s, ‘Watch out for the cops.’”
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also developed a guide specific to motorcycle operators. The basis of this motorcycle guide are based on a 1993 study, The Detection of DWI Motorcyclists, DOT HS 807 839, March 1993; Jack W. Stuster, Anacapa Sciences Inc., wherein police reports were used to identify “cues” of impaired drivers. Over 100 “cues” were narrowed down to 14. NHTSA lables 7 of these “cues” as “excellent” predictors of impairment and 7 are considered “good” predictors of impairment. According to NHTSA “excellent” is defined as having a greater than 50% predictive capability. ”Good” means that the tests are 30-50% predictive (much less than a coin toss).
The “cues” that police officers look for when investigating impaired motorcycle operators are:
Excellent Cues (50% or greater probability)
- Drifting during a turn or curve
- Trouble with a dismount
- Trouble with balance at a stop
- Turning problems (unsteady, sudden corrections, late breaking, improper lean angle)
- Inattentive to surroundings
- Inappropriate or unusual behavior (carrying or dropping and object, urinating at roadside, disorderly conduct)
- Weaving
Good Cues (30-49% probability)
- Erratic movement while going straight
- Operating without lights at night
- Recklessness
- Following too closely
- Running stop light or sign
- Evasion
- Wrong way
The guide does not tie the cues to any correlated BAC. Instead it simply uses the cues to say that a driver is “DWI” without defining what that means in terms of BAC or impairment. Another glaring problem with the study is the fact that experienced police officers do not think it is valid. At page three the guide states, “…some officers, even those with many years of experience reported they believe there are no cues that can be used to distinguish DWI from unimpaired motorcycle operation.”
DUI attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in Fairborn, Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Springboro, Huber Heights, Oakwood, Beavercreek, Centerville and throughout Ohio. He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself the Miami Valley’s choice for DUI defense. Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263). For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671. For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500. Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter @DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook and on the DaytonDUI channel on YouTube. You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.
Springfield DUI Attorney Charles M. Rowland II
937) 376-7290Fax: (937) 376-7288
