Philip Sause, of Joppatowne, has been the coordinator of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Motorcycle Safety Program since 2000.
He commutes to work each day by motorcycle and has been an avid rider since 1982, logging more than 200,000 miles through the years.
Sause spoke to The Examiner about recently released statistics that show how alcohol-impaired motorcycle fatalities have increased in more than half of the states between 2006 and 2007, including Maryland.
Do you have any reason why these motorcycle fatalities have increased?
One reason could probably be that there are more motorcycles on the road now.
Another reason could be that previous drinking and driving campaigns might not have been focused on motorcycles.
Recent campaigns now focus on drinking and riding.
What are the first functions needed to operate a motorcycle that are affected after the rider consumes alcohol?
Balance and coordination are the first things to go with even a moderate amount of alcohol. You’re on two wheels, so it’s the stability factor. The next thing to go is the ability to make sound judgments, like when to brake and how to corner. And in an automobile, you have the protection of the vehicle itself. In a motorcycle, all you have is your clothing and gear. It’s common sense to me, but sometimes it’s not as obvious to everybody.
What advice do you give to riders thinking about mixing alcohol and riding a motorcycle?
We stress that the two activities must be separated. If you’re going to ride your motorcycle, you don’t drink. Some will say to set limits, like having one drink per hour or not drinking the hour before you drive. But setting limits is hard for some people.
