Green Yellow Red Campaign to Reduce Impaired Motorcycling
Green Yellow Red Campaign to Reduce Impaired Motorcycling is touted by the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a “promising practice” poised to save motorcyclists’ lives
Nationwide Green Yellow Red (GYR) Campaign, a one-of-its kind motorcycle safety project praised by federal highway safety officials for its unique approach launched its second year at Quaker Steak and Lube’s popular Bike Night event May 23rd, 2007.
Project Green Yellow Red is unique in that the program works directly with motorcycle dealers and taverns that cater to motorcyclists to provide alternatives to riding impaired. The colors Green, Yellow, Red represent the three decisions that motorcyclists can make when it comes to drinking and riding and options associated with each decision.
Those decisions are:
- GREEN: Ride alcohol free;
- YELLOW: Drink at least one alcoholic drink and ride;
- RED: Drink to a level of impairment that significantly increases the risk of death or injury as a result of riding a motorcycle. That level is tentatively set at .08 B.A.C.
Partnerships with taverns and motorcycle dealerships are the centerpiece of the campaign, according to Michael Aguilar, Green Yellow Red Campaign project director and president of Innocorp, Ltd., makers of Fatal Vision Goggles. Innocorp is recipient of a two year, $250,000 grant to conduct this one-of-its kind NHTSA demonstration project with Safe Communities and 28 project partners.
During the 2007 riding season, Green Yellow Red Campaign provided additional motorcycle shelters, an expanded server intervention program and new promotions at taverns and dealerships that cater to motorcyclists, said Aguilar. “Motorcycle shelters in particular are a big hit with riders. Last year’s experience bears out what we’ve heard repeatedly in focus groups - motorcyclists are reluctant to leave their motorcycles behind at a tavern even if they may be impaired. Shelters have provided the security some need to make a safe choice.”
GYR organizers reported that during last year’s riding season, over 30 Dane and Jefferson County riders made the decision to play it safe and shelter their bikes after drinking. Demand for shelter space at Quaker Steak and Lube has been so great that management requested an additional GYR shelter this year, said Quaker Steak and Lube Manager Scott Ackers.
This year’s campaign also included “server intervention” training for tavern staff. The training teaches approaches servers can use to persuade riders to make safe choices around alcohol use and riding. Participating taverns and dealership that hold events where alcohol is served posted flyers encouraging patrons to plan their way home before they reach the “red” zone”.
Riders who leave their bikes in secured shelters received a free taxi ride home on the campaign, said Randy Schuppen of Capn’s Corner and the Jefferson County Tavern League. Dane and Jefferson County Tavern Leagues are partners in Green Yellow Red, and campaign funds supplement the League’s long-standing Safe Ride Program.
Dane and Jefferson County motorcyclists had the most to gain by taking advantage of Green Yellow Red Campaign offerings, according to Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney. “We’ve had an unfortunate rash of motorcycle fatalities in our area this past spring. Typically alcohol is a contributing factor in more than 60% of these crashes. Motorcycle shelters and rider education are inducements for riders to make the right choice. On the other hand, the GYR campaign has provided local law enforcement agencies with special training on how to detect whether a rider is impaired. So, we continue to watch out for impaired motorcyclists in the spirit of keeping riders safe.”
Campaign Partners
Lead Organization: Innocorp, Ltd., Makers of Fatal Vision Goggles
Partners:
- Accident Scene Management, Inc.
- Capital City Harley-Davidson Dealership
- Charter Media
- City of Fort Atkinson Police Department
- Culver’s Family Restaurants
- Dane County Sheriff’s Office
- Delehanty Consulting
- Engelhart Center
- Kutter Harley-Davidson Dealership
- Madison Police Department
- Hupy and Abraham, S. C.
- Middleton Police Department
- City of Middleton EMS
- Mischler’s Harley-Davidson & BMW Dealership
- Rob’s Performance Motorsports Dealership
- Safe Communities
- Township of Lake Mills Police Department
- Waterloo Police Department
- Watertown Police Department
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Safety
- Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council
- Women in the Wind Motorcycle Club
Participating Taverns:
- Burke Station
- Bases Loaded Corner Bar
- Fairview Sports Bar
- Capn’s Corner
- Silver Eagle Saloon
- Quaker Steak and Lube
- Morgan’s
Visit the official Green Yellow Red website at www.gyr-riders.com for more information. Contact: Michael Aguilar, Innocorp, Ltd. Tel: 608-848-5557