From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA & NHTSA PARTNER TO COMBAT IMPAIRED MOTORCYCLE RIDING

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced a partnership on a national impaired-riding campaign. The program is intended to
educate motorcyclists about the dangers of drinking and riding.

In 2001, 41 percent of the fatally injured motorcycle riders were impaired, with blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 g/dl or greater – the legal limit of impairment in many states. Impaired-riding issues were listed among the urgent recommendations of the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, a national plan that was developed by the motorcycling community in late 2000.

“After contributing to the development of the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, it’s natural for the AMA to now take the lead in addressing the issue of impaired riding,” said Robert Rasor, President of the American Motorcyclist Association. “The AMA is proud to be the first national motorcycling organization to act on a recommendation of the National Agenda.”

“My years in law enforcement have shown me that alcohol and motorcycles are a deadly combination,” stated NHTSA Deputy Administrator Annette Sandberg. “I commend the American Motorcyclist Association for providing national leadership to help reduce impaired riding among its membership and all motorcyclists.”

The AMA’s “Ride Straight” campaign will develop messages specifically targeting motorcyclists and will incorporate segments of NHTSA’s current “Friends Don’t Let Friends Ride Drunk” campaign.

The AMA will launch Ride Straight in mid-2003.