Driving a motorcycle can be invigorating although historically very dangerous for some, but a new report states that U.S. motorcycle fatalities went down by 2% in 2010. Why? The report claims increased helmet usage, a decrease in overall speed, less drinking and driving and proper training are all responsible and should be continued with further education and awareness.
The decline comes on the heels of a dramatic 16% drop in 2009, which followed 11 straight years of steady increases in motorcycle deaths. This new report is the first state to state assessment of its kind.
Most states have reasonably complete fatality counts for at least the first nine months of 2010 so far, enabling the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) to confidently forecast that deaths will be at least 2% lower for the full year.
GHSA is projecting declines in approximately half of the states overall, with notable declines in many. In Texas, for example, based upon data for the first nine months of 2010, motorcycle deaths are expected to be down 16%, while Oregon and Oklahoma are down 27% and 30%.
Some states are seeing more deaths however. GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey and director of Maryland’s highway safety program commented:
“In my state, we suspect motorcycle fatalities increased 3% largely because of an unusual spike in crashes in one of our more rural counties. We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners in this area to address the issue. Additionally, Maryland has stepped up efforts in work zones to ensure motorcycle riders are as safe as possible, is placing more emphasis on training and licensure, and is increasing investment in the state’s public information and education campaign.”
GHSA’s Member in New York, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, attributes the increase in fatal motorcycle crashes in that state to a rise in motorcycle registrations and a longer and more favorable riding season.
J. David Sampson, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles said:
“There was an extended riding season in 2010 due to less rain and warmer temperatures which led to an increased exposure to crashes. In addition, motorcycle registrations continue to rise as the baby boom generation rediscovers their passion for riding a motorcycle. New York State’s Motorcycle Safety Program is working to combat the rise in fatal crashes by continuing to increase the availability of Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) training sites throughout the state.”
A popular motorcycle safety website instructs that “the difference in present-time alertness could be all that separates a dead rider from one who merely had his/her heart rate accelerated after an instantaneous, controlled swerve that resulted in a one inch separation from catastrophe.”
GSHA Chairman Betkey concludes:
“While there is a lot of good news in this report, the increase in fatalities toward the end of year is a clear red flag. Just like with overall traffic deaths, a strengthening economy presents us with the potential for more tragedy on our roads. We are going to be very aggressive in targeting our programs where they are needed the most. Additionally, we will continue to remind all roadway users that motorcycles are a legal and legitimate way of transportation and we all need to safely share the road.”
Source: Governors Highway Safety Association
Written by Sy Kraft