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OPEN THE THROTTLE. NOT THE BOTTLE.
Connecticut Launches Motorcycle Rider Impairment Campaign

Newington, Conn./January 3, 2004 - The Connecticut Department of Transportation's (CONN DOT) Division of Highway Safety will unveil a statewide motorcycle rider impairment campaign at the 6th Annual Northeast Motorcycle Expo in Hartford on January 3 and 4. Funded by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "Open the Throttle. Not the Bottle." aims to bring awareness to the percentage of impairment-related motorcycle crashes, as well as encourage safe motorcycle riding practices.

Last year in Connecticut, 40 percent of motorcycle fatalities involved alcohol. "This percentage is unacceptable," says Raymond C. Gaulin, Jr., Highway Safety Management Specialist with the DOT. "The State's motorcycle rider education program addresses the importance of riding sober, however, its main purpose is to teach riders about overall motorcycle safety. The 'Open the Throttle. Not the Bottle.' campaign is meant to specifically address impairment, as well as communicate the impact of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on riding ability. Ultimately, our goal is to change behavior," he continues.

The program targets men ages 25 to 40 - who account for the largest number of riders on Connecticut roadways. "Rather than lecture, this program is meant to celebrate the freedom of riding, while subtly reminding them to ride safe and ride sober," says Gaulin. It capitalizes on the love affair motorcyclists have with their bikes and the freedom they feel when they are on the open road. For example, the web site, www.ride4ever.org, is designed for all the different styles of Connecticut motorcyclists. It includes downloadable ride maps, digital postcards to keep in touch with fellow enthusiasts, articles, a listing of alcohol-free events, as well as submissions by Connecticut riders who want to share their personal riding experiences.

Partners in this program include the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) - a national organization that pursues, protects and promotes the interests of motorcycle enthusiasts; the Connecticut Motorcycle Riders Association (CMRA) - a grass roots advocacy group whose purpose is to protect and advance the interests of motorcyclists, including improving motorcycle safety through education and awareness; and the Connecticut Motorcycle Business Association (CMBA) - a Connecticut member motorcycle dealer association.

"We're pleased to support this program," says Robert Rasor, president of the American Motorcyclist Association. "Our 'Ride Straight' program and the 'Open the Throttle. Not the Bottle.' campaign share the same goals. We're gathering strength in numbers and hope that through this partnership, we can reach more riders," he continues.

The campaign kicks off January 3 and runs through September. Beginning this spring, riders can expect to see billboards, hear radio public service announcements, as well as see the campaign message at grass roots events. For more information, please visit www.ride4ever.org.