AMA Freedom Friday - Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the theme of American Motorcyclist Association's Freedom Friday, April 26
Distracted driving is the focus of the American Motorcyclist
Association's "Freedom Friday" on April 26.
Injuries to motorcyclists resulting from drivers who are distracted
and/or inattentive continue to be a major issue for the AMA and its
members. In particular, the AMA is concerned that many automobile,
SUV and truck drivers who seriously injure or kill motorcyclists
are only cited for traffic infractions. While the AMA believes that
banning cellphone use and texting while driving is a positive step,
that action alone is not enough. The association maintains that all
vehicle operators must be held accountable.
"The AMA advocates for enhanced penalties for violations resulting
in injury or death to other roadway users," said Danielle Fowles,
AMA grassroots coordinator. "Enhanced penalty options, to be
determined by the courts, should include increased fines,
operator's license suspension, points assessed on an operator's
record, community service and imprisonment, to name a few."
The Freedom Friday call-to-action is part of AMA Go Ride! Month
during April. AMA Go Ride! Month encourages AMA members and riders
nationwide to renew their passion for riding on the street and in
the dirt. It's a month-long celebration of riding that features
stories, photos, contests and more.
Freedom Friday is a special campaign to alert motorcyclists about
important issues that pose a threat to motorcycling freedoms.
Riders can take part in a contest related to the issue and win
prizes. Each week's Freedom Friday photo contest asks AMA members
to send a photo of themselves, preferably with their bike, near a
symbol of the current topic.
The contest that kicks off today focuses on distracted and
inattentive driving. The issue can be illustrated with a photo that
includes a motorcycle and a car or truck. Photo(s) and the AMA
member number should be sent to grassroots@ama-cycle.org to
be entered in the contest. For entry details, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/riding/goride/contestdetails.
Freedom Friday contest entrants have two chances to win. Two photo
winners will be announced and each will receive an AMA gift bag and
a BikeBandit gift card. Contest entrants will also be entered in a
month-end drawing with great prizes, including a Shoei helmet,
Tour Master Intake
jacket, and Cortech tank bags, courtesy of AMA partner Helmet
House.
Go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com
and www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist
for more details about Freedom Friday and the 2013 AMA Go Ride!
Month.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, please visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
