AMA says, 'Put away the phone,' for National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

PICKERINGTON, Ohio, June 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Motorcyclist Association encourages motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians to put away their phones while using the nation's roadways during National Cell Phone Courtesy Month in July.

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month is an event founded by etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore to encourage cell phone users to be more respectful of their surroundings. The AMA believes that respect should extend to drivers and pedestrians, as well.

"Cell phones certainly are useful devices for staying in touch with family, friends and business associates and for staying abreast of social media," said Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. "But their use on public roadways increases risk in an already dangerous setting and puts motorcyclists in great peril."

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, distracted and inattentive driving have contributed to a significant number of motor vehicle crashes.

"Driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes," the NHSTA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute report. "Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event. Primary causes of driver inattention are distracting activities, such as cell phone use, and drowsiness."

"Motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians pay a disproportionally higher price for motor vehicle operator distraction and inattention," Dingman said.

The AMA supports legislation that makes available to the courts harsher penalties for offenders, such as higher fines, license suspension, points assessed against an operator's record, community service, or imprisonment.

To view the AMA position statement on distracted and inattentive driving, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/positionstatements.  

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: [email protected]

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SOURCE American Motorcyclist Association