Last year, along with more than 3,000 motorcycle and 123,000 vehicle crashes in which people were hurt, there also were record numbers of fatalities. Because of these statistics, an Arizona non-profit is working with numerous businesses and the State of Arizona to draw attention to the critical need to Share the Road.

The Share the Road campaign is a statewide public awareness effort aimed at focusing Arizona motorists on the critical need to be undistracted when driving and to train motorcyclists how to ride more defensively. This multi-pronged movement, which is geared to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on Arizona roads, is supported and promoted by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS), Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), Dignity Health (Chandler Regional Medical Center, Arizona Trauma Association, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), Law Tigers, RideNow, Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation and many supporters. As noted recently by Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, the time is now to focus drivers and riders on the critical importance of sharing the road with respect and being completely aware of one’s surroundings.

Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), a non-profit 501c (3) and its partners, which encompass healthcare, insurance, legal, police departments, corporations, small business and the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS), are diligently working to: 1) focus Arizona drivers/riders on the crucial need to be undistracted when driving and 2) provide scholarships, statewide, to train motorcyclists how to drive more defensively and safe. This powerful combination is the key to public awareness and better road safety practices.

According to AMSAF executive director Mick Degn, Share the Road leaders are actively involved in promoting the need for drivers/riders to share the road and to be more aware of their surroundings as they travel. Efforts include public safety outreach and community grassroots efforts including billboards, police safety events and working with social media, among others.

“Our program is the only one of its kind in the United States,” says Degn. “We need everyone’s support and involvement to continue to increase awareness. Just as importantly, we want to work with Arizona businesses to develop driver/rider safety awareness ideas and initiatives. After all, the people sharing our roadways are your family members, customers, friends and colleagues. Their lives matter as does their safety and the safety of others.”

* THE STATISTICS

• Arizona economic loss due to motor vehicle crashes: $10,707 billion

• Total crashes: 126,987

• Total fatalities: 952

• Total injuries: 56,753

•Approximately 2.61 persons were killed everyday

• Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 3.89% of all crashes and 31.19% of all fatal crashes

• Children age 14 and younger accounted for 36 fatalities and more than 3,500 injuries in motor vehicles crashes

*This is the most current data from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

To learn more, call 1-888.951.3732, or email [email protected]. AMSAF is located at 7558 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite 1-120, in Peoria.

By Fran Booth