August 31, 2001
Milwaukee, WI - As part of Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s ongoing effort to promote safe and responsible motorcycle riding, Tim Hoelter, Vice President, Government Affairs, recently was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD).With Hoelter’s election, Harley-Davidson becomes the first motorcycle manufacturer affiliated with NCADD.
In his new role, Hoelter will assist NCADD with its mission to reduce drunk driving and the tragic consequences that result.The group develops strategies and programs aimed at decreasing the incidence of impaired driving so that our roads are safer for drivers of all vehicles.
"Impaired riding is a serious issue within the motorcycle community," explained Hoelter."That’s why Harley-Davidson has a long history of promoting safe riding behavior through its partnership with BADD (Business Against Drunk Drivers) and our ‘Ride Straight’ program.Our affiliation with NCADD will allow Harley-Davidson to be even more involved in national and local efforts to reduce accidents and fatalities due to drunk or impaired driving."
NCADD, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, is a successor to the Presidential Commission on Drunk Driving appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
The NCADD Board is chaired by Robert Stempel, former CEO of General Motors, and includes representatives from Miller Brewing Company, Anheuser-Busch, Toyota, and Ford.
"The National Commission Against Drunk Driving applauds Harley-Davidson for their commitment to safety for all motorists on our nation’s highways," said NCADD President John V.Moulden."Harley-Davidson’s leadership in the motorcycle community will be critical to our common efforts to reduce alcohol-related traffic crashes and their tragic consequences."
"Driving a motorcycle, or any vehicle, while intoxicated is extremely dangerous," Hoelter said."Motorcycle riding requires balance, motor skills, awareness and concentration, all things that are missing or dulled when riding impaired.Harley-Davidson’s role with NCADD will be to continue raising awareness and working to reduce impaired riding."
Hoelter joined Harley-Davidson in 1981, and has served in various executive capacities since then.In February 2000 he was named Vice President, Government Affairs.
Following are some drunk driving statistics from NCADD and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).NCADD aims to reduce these numbers and save lives.
- More than 38% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involve alcohol.
- Nearly 16,000 people die and more than one million are injured annually in alcohol-related crashes.
- In 1999, 28% of all fatal motorcycle crashes were the result of motorcycle riders who were intoxicated.
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