THE ABATE UPDATE
THE
ABATE
UPDATE
In November , 2009 , Bob “ Gunner ” Catcher was killed when a truck , failing to look or signal while making a U-turn , pulled out in front of Gunner ’ s motorcycle . ABATE of Oklahoma members rose up , in unison , determined to reduce needless motorcyclists ’ deaths . They developed and rallied behind Gunner ’ s Bill that raised $ 3 from each motorcycle tag to fund Oklahoma motorcycle safety programs . To date , that program has raised over $ 1.5M .
Gunner ’ s fund financed the MSF certified motorcycle training schools throughout Oklahoma .
Motorcycle training schools primarily address single vehicle crashes , about 50 % of the deaths and serious injuries Oklahoma motorcyclists experience .
The other 50 % are caused by multiple vehicle crashes , the motorcycle collides with a car , truck , or bus . In 2016 , ABATE of Oklahoma implemented a program to reduce those crashes as well . They developed 30 minute audio visual programs to teach motorcycle awareness to car , big trucks and bus drivers . The program is called Share the Road . ABATE of Oklahoma developed an instructors ’ training program to develop a team of trainers , background checked , and certified , to give professional presentations . Not satisfied to build a powerful program and “ they will come ”, ABATE of Oklahoma marketed the program to drivers education classes , trucking and oil field service companies , service organizations like Kiwanis , and public utility companies . Every place where they presented the program , they have been asked to return for additional presentations . Here are a few examples of their successes .
Kamo Power – is a power generation and distribution utility in Oklahoma and Missouri .
When Safety Manager , Ken Macken , CLCP , saw the presentation , he asked us to present it to all their field personnel in Oklahoma . Our instructors presented Share the Road in Vinita , Muskogee , Stillwater , and Cleveland . Ken is so supportive of the program that he plans on introducing the program to other electric cooperatives in Oklahoma .
Kiwanis – Lieutenant Governor Steve Brooks heard about Share the Road at the Jeff Williams Swap Meet in OKC . He liked what he heard and asked us to present
The mission statement of ABATE of Oklahoma is to promote and defend motorcyclists freedom , safety , and awareness through education and legislation to make Oklahoma the best place to ride .
WHO IS LOOKING OUT FOR YOU ?
Share the Road to their Edmond chapter . We did and are currently working on a revised program to show at their high school Key Club chapters .
Moore Public Schools Transportation Division – imagine the ramifications of a school bus vs motorcycle collision : motorcycle injuries / death , traumatized students , upset parents , liabilities .
Scott Bryant , Superintendent of Transportation for Moore Public Schools did . That ’ s why he had us present Share the Road to all the school bus drivers . Scott wants to make this annual training . Pryor Chemicals – is a division of LSB Chemicals . They produce nitrogen based products in their 47 acre plant in Pryor . Shelby Stansell , Safety Manager , had us present multiple sessions to insure that we reached all their employees .
Shebester-Bechtel Oil Field Service – is a 40-year old Oklahoma company Share the Road is part of their 2,500 + hours of safety training . Safety Manager Gil Guerrero had us present to all of their field service terminals : Maysville , OKC , Enid , and Blackwell . Gil is so supportive of Share the Road that he has become a trainer .
30 Thunder Roads Magazine of OK / AR