For many, the summer season means BBQs, family vacations and finding ways to stay cool. For motorcycle riders, though, summer is prime riding season.
In recent years, motorcycle ridership has grown significantly. This is understandable given that the sport is fun, motorcycles are a great form of transportation and it's appealing to people of all ages. Unfortunately, there have also been more fatalities among riders on Washington's roads.
To help curb this trend, the Washington State Department of Licensing teamed with DHC to launch the "Endorse Your Sport" campaign. The program aims to encourage riders to equip themselves with the proper education and skills to keep themselves safe on the road. Incorporating a statewide media buy, channel on YouTube, on-air radio contests around the state and the launch of a Twitter page, this campaign has built some momentum over the last three years. As another aspect of the campaign, our own Nick Lawhead recently worked with DOL to organize a media tour to raise awareness about the Motorcycle Safety Program (be sure to check out pictures below!).
Visiting Richland, Seattle and Vancouver, DOL encouraged reporters to learn about and cover motorcycle safety. Journalists had the chance to take part in a few of the training exercises, and get a taste of what riders striving to earn an endorsement could expect. Hosted at training facilities in each city, the tour also helped to launch the Advanced Experience Rider Course (AERC). Available to the public July 1, this one-day class is designed to complement and improve upon advanced rider skills.
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Nick Lawhead takes this motorcycle for a spin as he supports the DOL's media tour to raise motorcycle safety awareness
Jordan Youngs with KNDU TV (left) and Dawn Michele with the DOL (right)
To view more photos click here.
