Copyright 2006- National Coalition of Motorcyclists
December 7, 2006
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NATIONAL COALITION OF MOTORCYCLISTS
From James D. “Doc” Reichenbach II
Chairman, NCOM Board of Directors
PO Box 712
Silver Springs, Florida 34489
(352) 625-6353
abatefl@worldnet.att.net
December 7, 2006
On November 30, 2006 I met in Washington, D.C. with Vice-Chairman
Robert Sumwalt of the National Transportation Safety Board. We
discussed the NTSB seminar held in September of this year and the
problems we had with the panel that presented facts that we claim are
flawed. I also discussed with him that no motorcyclists were
represented on the questioning side of the panel. No one from any of
the National organizations including the National Coalition of
Motorcyclists were given an opportunity to ask questions directly of
the panels. We were only allowed to write questions on 3 x 5 cards
and then the NTSB would decided which questions to ask. False
statements were made and the motorcyclists had no recourse until I
took proof of some of the errors to the NTSB. My suggestion was that
another seminar be held and the motorcyclists have their voices heard
in a fair and just format. He said he would take the idea up with the
board.
The vice-chairman and I went over all the material I took with me
including samples of ABATE of Florida’s billboards and safety items.
One of the many things that were discussed were the difference between
states data and NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration’s data.
In 2004 NHTSA had Florida helmetless death rate at 56% however the
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles had the
helmetless death rate at 46% for 2004. He agreed that there are many
inconsistencies between the Federal level and the State level and it
needed to be looked into. He also mentioned the Motorcycle Crash
Causation Study that is being done.
The following is a statement to me from the Vice-Chairman.
“Motorcycle registration and vehicle miles traveled provided by FHWA
has been criticized as being inaccurate. For example, in spite of
many indications that motorcycle use has increased (increased sales,
registrations, etc.) the Vehicle Miles Traveled data reported by FHWA
has remained approximately the same for the past decade. I personally
feel that having accurate activity data for motorcycles is
instrumental in terms of tracking accident and fatality rates.
The National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (NAMS) study was completed in
2000. This was done by Motorcycle Safety Foundation, NHTSA, and other
groups. There were 82 recommendations in NAMS but many have not been
enacted. Staff will review the report and consider whether it is
appropriate for the Safety Board to comment further.” There has been
no decision if there will be a letter going out, but as of right now
he has heard of no national helmet law being recommended and he does
not support one. The last item we discussed was that all motorcycle
groups including National groups need to band together to become an
even more powerful force for our cause. I believe that some of us
having been saying that for years, maybe soon everyone will realize a
house divided must fall.
When Mr. Sumwalt had his conformation hearing in front of the senate
committee, he was asked if he wore a helmet when he rode and his
answer was that yes he did however it should be a personal choice to
do so. A senator stated he didn’t like the answer Mr. Sumwalt gave,
Mr. Sumwalt stated that was his answer, and he was confirmed.
I found the Vice-Chairman to be very dedicated and an honorable man
who will do everything in his power to help us get to the true facts
and help us save lives.
Respectfully,
James D. “Doc” Reichenbach II
Chairman of the Board
And that's all the News that fits!
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Copyright 2006, National Coalition of Motorcyclists
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