DMV Unveils New Campaign to Boost Motorcycle Safety Training

Virginia Rider Training Program Teaches Motorcyclists the Skills to Ride Safely

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has launched a new advertising campaign to promote motorcycle safety training. This initiative seeks to increase awareness of the Virginia Rider Training Program and encourage motorcyclists to enhance their skills through this vital training.

The campaign’s centerpiece is a compelling new ad that highlights the importance of proper motorcycle training. The ad features a skilled motorcyclist enjoying a perfect ride on a quiet, scenic road. The serene atmosphere is suddenly disrupted when a car pulls out in front of him, leading to a dramatic crash. The motorcyclist, now a seasoned rider training coach, later shares his experience with a group of students, underscoring the message: “If it can happen to me, it can happen to you. So let’s learn the skills it takes to handle it.”

The Virginia Rider Training Program , certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, offers comprehensive courses designed for riders at all levels. These courses provide an opportunity to master essential riding techniques and safety skills in a controlled environment. Successful completion of the program not only enhances rider safety but also enables participants to earn their Virginia motorcycle endorsement.

“As a rider myself, I know training isn’t just a precaution, it’s a necessity. It transforms instinct into skill and uncertainty into confidence, making the difference between a close call and a disaster,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “This campaign is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to improve motorcycle safety across the Commonwealth. By encouraging more riders to participate in the Virginia Rider Training Program, we aim to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on our roadways.”

As of July 31 this year, Virginia has experienced over 1,200 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 976 injuries and 63 deaths. The jurisdictions with the highest number of fatalities include Fairfax County, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Clarke County, Virginia Beach, and Augusta County. Last year, 3-out-of-4 motorcyclists involved in crashes on Virginia roadways had not completed the Virginia Rider Training Program.

DMV urges all motorcyclists, whether new or experienced, to take advantage of this valuable training opportunity. For more information about the Virginia Rider Training Program and to find a course near you, visit dmv.virginia.gov/vrtp .

The new motorcycle safety campaign, developed by Two Tango Collaborative and produced by Spang TV with director Trevor Paperny, with audio by In Your Ear, will run throughout Virginia through September 2 . For more highway safety information, visit dmv.virginia.gov/safety . To view the ad, visit DMV’s YouTube page .

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