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THE DANGER IS STILL AMONG
US.................. As the State Awareness
Coordinator, I read about accidents
involving vehicles and motorcycles way too
much. Every region has their fill of them.
But, beginnning June 2, 2013, Region 18 has
had more than our fair share. During the
span of 4 days, we had 2 fatalities and 1
with severe injuries.
WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT TO
SHARE???? ........ All these accidents
involved 16 and 17 year old drivers. Two of
these were the result of turning left in
front of the motorcycles and one by crossing
over the center line. As an instructor to
these new drivers, we preach to them about
paying more attention to their surroundings
and to LOOK TWICE or even THREE TIMES. The
consequences for these actions must be
enforced. Even the older drivers must be
aware of the laws, including THE RIGHT OF
WAY BILL. Continuing to educate the public
is our main focus. Every member should have
an understanding about how the awareness
program operates and what is taught in these
driving schools.
I know we can't reach
everyone, but every region should make a
valiant effort to, at least, educate their
members. What would it take to make ABATE
members WAKE UP?..... Losing another one of
our own? ......... Or having ourselves being
crippled for life?
Remember it takes hard work
to make things happen. Making ABATE Awarness
a TEAM program is the focus on all members.
Let's show we can work together for a safer
summer............ "UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED
WE FALL."
Be safe & ride free,
Mark
Now that May is in our
rearview mirror, we need to keep our focus
on EDUCATING the public. We, as ABATE
members, need to show others the importance
of looking twice while on the roads. Not
just looking, but to make sure talking and
texting on the phones are not to be used
while driving.
Teaching the young drivers
is simple. The adults and elderly are the
next focus to our class teachings. How do we
do that? By making sure we get our faces in
the public eye at festivals and fairs this
year. Getting the chance to be face to face
with the general public and educating them
about what awareness is doing to make it
safe for all of us. ABATE members must work
TOGETHER. Don't EXPECT your brothers and
sisters to do it all. We are an organization
that must become a one, solid unit to show
others we do care.
Remember........... ABATE is
working hard on making sure every rider is
ENDORSED. Being leaders are what we need to
be. Showing the new and seasonal riders that
getting the "CY" on their license can save
money, as well as, their lives. It's a
benefit to us all.
Show your pride in your
organization! Every ABATE member should have
a yard sign up. This is a great way to show
our communities we are not all about CHOICE,
but more about CHOOSING to make a
difference.
IT'S NOT THE ONES WHO SIT
AND LISTEN WHO MAKES THE DIFFERENCE, BUT THE
ONES WHO STAND AND DELIVER!
Be safe and ride on,
Mark
MAY
is Motorcycle Awareness
Month!...............
We
finally made it. Spring has somewhat sprung.
I hope everyone has focused on what it takes
to make sure we, as ABATE members, are
getting the word out to the general public
about watching out for motorcycles.
The Proclamations should be in the hands of
all local and county commissioners by now.
Make sure to have several ABATE members
there for representation and to accept the
proclamation. It's a great opportunity to
get one on one with your elected officials
and show them we are an organization that
cares.
Don't forget about PSA's for your local
radio stations. Make sure they can help by
giving us 20-30 second spots on their
airways. All information is available on
the ABATE website under the Awareness link.
Yard signs shoud be out in EVERYONE'S front
yards! If you don't have one........ GET
ONE! They are only $10. An inexpensive cost
compared to your life.
The next agenda for ABATE members is to
educate ourselves and others on getting
Motorcycle ENDORSEMENTS on our licenses.
There are over 48,000 non-endorsed riders in
Michigan. Are you one of them? Get to the
nearest riders safety class and get it. No
more excuses! And I've heard all the
stories:....... Been riding for
years............... Why do I need to get
one now................. I don't have the
time............ It's only for the new
riders........................ Etc.
TO BECOME A TEACHER IN EDUCATION, YOU MUST
FIRST LEARN!
Be safe and ride free,
Mark
COUNTDOWN BEGINS..............
It might be April, but May is right around
the corner. For ABATE, it's the beginning of
Motorcycle Awareness month. Not only do we
focus on Proclamations to all commissioners
in our regions, but we need to get ready to
move forward in all other venues.
PSA (Public Service Announcements) are a
great way to get the word out to the general
public. Everyone has radio stations in their
area. It doesn't take much to just ask for
them to put a 20-30 second spot on their
stations.
Yard signs and other materials are another
way to get our point across to the public.
Making an effort to put our products in the
EYES of others is essential. Awareness is
not that hard to do. Every region will have
rides or events in May. Make sure you have
your materials available.
One important factor is to understand that
EDUCATION is key to prevention.
Every ABATE member should be knowledgeable
in the political and awareness programs and
be able to show others how they are working
for us all. We are a TEAM organization.
Let's show that we are ONE. Working
together is our main goal.
Also, be sure to get your CRAYONS and
MARKERS out…. The Awareness Logo Contest is
still going on!
Be Safe and Ride Free,
Mark
What's the definition
of AWARENESS: the state or condition
of being aware; having knowledge;
consciousness.
That is why EDUCATION
is so important. Our instructors and
awareness teams are always teaching and
getting the word out. But, we cannot
do it alone. Every MEMBER should have the
ability to educate the public about
awareness. Taking the time to go to one of
the classes should be a top priority. Ask
your regional awareness director when the
next driving class is or what you can do to
help get involved. Never stop learning!
One way to get involved
is through Proclamations. This is a
great way to introduce yourself to your
town, city or county commissioners. Making
everyone aware that May is Motorcycle
Awareness Month. It's a great way to
represent Abate in a positive way. Showing
them that we do care and that we want to
educate the public about motorcyclists.
Proclamations are an easy presentation to
the local commissioners. Plus, IT'S FREE!
............ (see the form or ask for an
attachment to be sent to you).
Awareness program
consists of many educational materials as
well. Yard signs, wristbands, key chains,
pens and tri-folds are some of the things we
offer. These materials are for the
classrooms and the general public. So, let’s
make sure to stay in the face of your
communities.
Finally....... Get your
creative minds in gear. ABATE State
Awareness Logo contest is now on!
Spring is near and be
safe.
Mark
PROCLAMATION
Designating May as Motorcycle Awareness
Month
WHEREAS, the Month of May is the
nationally recognized month motorcycles
become more prevalent on our streets, the
need to be aware of their presence is of the
most urgency; and
WHEREAS, Motorcycle Awareness Month
is designed to increase public awareness
about motorcycles; encourage their safe and
proper use among motorcycle riders; is worth
special recognition; and
WHEREAS, and overwhelming number of
car-motorcycle accidents could be avoided
with due regard, respect, and awareness of
motorcycles on the streets and
intersections; and
WHEREAS, the inclusion of motorcycle
awareness as a distinct part of driver
education curriculum and motorcycle rider
education programs will help promote safe
driving and motorcycle riding practices; and
WHEREAS, citizens should recognize
the fact that motorcycle operators have the
same rights and privileges as operators of
other vehicles on all roads and highways;
and
THEREFORE, it is in the best interest
of our community and the citizens to note
the increase in the amount of motorcycle
traffic, as we enter the warm weather
months, to enable the reduction of accidents
and injuries involving motorcyclists.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that
I/We, ________________ do hereby recognize
May 2013 as
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH
And I/We call this
observance to the attention of all our
citizens and encourage all motorist and
motorcyclist to drive safely.
With
the new year starting, there's new looks
taking their places. Mike Poage has finally
got his wish of freedom from his position as
Awareness Director. He handed over the keys
to the Awareness Program before the seminar
even started (LOL). Thanks Mike, for keeping
the program moving forward for the last
several years. Enjoy the endless summer
breezes and keep the rubber on the pavement,
brother.
I am
excited to have the opportunity to be
elected as the new ABATE of Michigan State
Awareness Director. Now, it's my turn to
continue to do my voodoo on this Awareness
Program. Hoping to build onto this program
and to keep our freedom of "CHOICE" here in
Michigan. Education is one of the important
pieces of ABATE. Lets work together and make
this organization a strong force to be
reckoned with.
Your
new State Awareness Director,
Mark
R. Buchanan (Region 18)
(734)
777-7530
call/text
m.buchanan@att.net
facebook page: Abate of Michigan Region 18
Awareness |
