Motorcyclist Deaths Surge, Car Fatalities Down in 2007
While the number of fatalities associated with automobile and truck crashes declined in 2007, motorcycle deaths increased by 6.6 percent (to 5154). A new study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that pedestrian and bicycle deaths also declined over the same period.
Motorcycle deaths have risen 128 percent since a low of 2,116 in 1997, and their death total now tallies some 13 percent of total roadway-related accidents. The increase is largely attributable to a rising number of motorcycles in use on America’s roads, but critics are also suggesting that the increase is due to a decrease in helmet laws. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that in 1975, fully 47 states had mandatory helmet legislation, but now, just 20 states require them.
With about 75 percent more motorcycles registered than there were just a decade ago, and costly gas prices making high-mileage motorcycles even more attractive, the number of motorcycle accidents and associated fatalities would appear to be trend that is set to continue for some years.
Have safety issues kept you from becoming a motorcyclist—or if you are a rider already, from enjoying bikes more frequently? Have your say in ‘Comments.’
Comments
Mena
Crap! I was hoping it would be safer to ride with more motorcycles on the road. Oh well, I guess I'll stick with cars (not that there's anything wrong with that).
chartguy
I'm a volunteer fireman. Our department responds to motor vehicle accidents. We've definitely seen an increase in motorcyle accidents (luckily, no fatalities, yet) and a decrease in auto accidents.
The decrease in auto accidents typically occurs when miles driven drops, usually as the result of a recession.
bmwloco
As a committed motorcyclist, and one that's been on the road for over 300,000 miles, I a different perspective.
I've lost friends, I've seen accidents, and I've been in a few myself. The ones who have died, for the most part, were not at fault. It was a car driver who killed them.
Kill a biker, it's a misdemeanor. Kill someone in an auto, it's vehicular homicide.
For all you auto drivers, look twice before you make a turn. "I didn't see him..." is a lame, futile excuse.
I'm not going to close without giving it to motorcycle riders though.
If you're riding with shorts, a tank top, no gloves, flip flops and cast off helmet, best of luck. I used to be disgusted when I saw ill equipped riders, now I'm just amused. They leave more parts for the rest of us, mechanical for those who want to restore bikes, flesh for those who need their leftover parts to live.
Mark
BMWloco,
Well stated.
I give the trauma lecture for medical students and base it on motorcycle safety. We discuss riding with protection, traffic awareness, and personal riding/driving education on a track and in traffic with professional instructors.
I too had gotten aggravated by helmetless and unprotected riders. Unwise decisions are made by many, so I just use them as an example of poor risk management for the students.
We have a race weekend at BIR in Minnesota starting tomorrow. I have learned so many lessons from instructors and other racers. I encourage all students to get instruction on a bike or in a car to open their eyes to skill improvement.
For the students, I use this example. Would anyone get in an airplane with a set of pilots who didn't get ongoing instruction and pass their periodic flight exams? We have no ongoing training on the road unless we seek it ourselves.
Best,
Mark.
CAG
I've ridden bikes for most of my life and at one point managed and ran a Suzuki motorcycle shop in Pennsylvania. Each year on my ride to Florida, I wore full leathers and a full-face Bell helmet.
While it's true that many bikers are killed by careless car drivers, it is also irrelevant. The riders are just as dead regardless of whose fault it was. Worse is if the hapless rider isn't killed, but only maimed and crippled for the rest of their lives. I known some of those, too.
And finally... Anyone who rides a motorcycle without a good helmet is a fool, pure and simple. If you're involved in a motorcycle accident, your head will hit the ground. And you will die or be rendered into vegetable matter.
Motorcycles are dangerous. Decide whether your life worth 45 miles per gallon.
Rod Panhard
Oh, this one's a no-brainer, so to speak. A lot of states have dropped their helmet laws. Meanwhile, a lot of "returning riders" are getting on motorcycles again. It wasn't too long ago that I was talking with my motorcycle insurance agent. He informed me that the highest insurance rates were for sportbikes and Harleys. Part of that goes to the increased theft in both of those categories. But part of it also goes to the fact that the squids and the returning riders lack the training, and therefore, the skills to handle their bikes.
The effect is now coming home to roost. Harley-Davidson sales are down in the U.S. Part of it is due to the economy, but one can't deny that some of it has to do with the fact that the average age of a Harley-Davidson buyer is 47. I suspect that the wives of a lot of "returning riders" have been on a few hospital visits or funerals.
Harley-Davidson is doing something that only the cigarette makers have successfully accomplished. They can kill off their current customers and attract new ones.
Ducati Minor
That is such foolish logic. How many of these riders were speeding? That is a high factor. But to damn an activity out of fear---that's just pathetic. The cycle community is one field, much more than the automobile, that has remained largely of an enthusiast sect full of positive spirit. Unlike the car, which has seen diluted road spirit with auto-shifting gearboxes and computer-operated clutches, the world of two-wheelers is at least closer to purity in the riding experience.
Claude
I sold my two sportbikes last year after 35 years of street riding because I got scared. Too many car drivers are not really driving, they drink coffee, talk on the phone, type on their Blackberries and devour junk food, while not paying attention to traffic. I was hit by a car several years ago while minding my own business and spent 6 weeks in a cast as a result. I want this to be a "once in a life time" event. I am in the market for a dirt bike that I can ride away from the incompetents.
As far as helmet laws, I have never ever ridden without a helmet and I don't think much of those who do. But why should the government regulate behavior? Can't the good folks in elected office just leave us alone?
rageous
While it is increasingly more difficult for motorcycle riders due to incompetent driving by people in cars & trucks, all I have to say is that the only one looking out for me is myself. When I ride I always wear a helmet and leave extra time to get where i am going, as well as staying aware of what is around me at ALL times.
Ducati Minor
Absolutely. The tragic benefit of cycling is that you have to be aware of what and or is around you. A large number of injuries and deaths comes from careless riding--young guys showing off and what not. I was taken back when I met a high schooler at a coffee house who had a 1000 cc Kawasaki sport bike, but no license or permit. You'd be surprised to know of how many riders are unlicensed.
I've always said to riders worried about freeway travel to build up confidence by traveling in the early morning when there is light, but not much traffic. Avoid congested highway activity or busy events. These can reduce your risk considerably.
Anonymous
I have rode motorcycles for 35 years. I've been in minor accidents on my ride, but hey I've also had car accidents. All accidents while riding my Harleys were the car drivers fault and were minor because I know my bikes and how to handle the bike in emergencies. I practice short stops, evasion, etc. I learned early that you have to think, act and ride defensively. If your state or local motorcycle shop has a motorcycle skills program, take it. This step more than likely may save your life while riding. One stat not mentioned in this article, although implied, is that most motorcycle deaths are new or less than one year riders. You have to know your bike, what it is capable of and not capable of. Along with knowing your bike, you have to practice your riding skills.
One last thought, I current have a Harley VRod. I drive it responsibly and still enjoy the freedom and the experience. However, I cannot tell you the number of young riders on "crotch rocket" bike that have buzzed by me at 30-40 mph over the speed limit dodging in and out of lanes. It's not a matter of if they will have an accident and possibly die, but when. Also most of the young riders are dressed in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops. It just a matter of when...
MJSWAN
I believe the biggest contributing factor is the power and speed the new motorcycles offer. Lots of young guys hop on a bike that is just a notch below a racing bike and think they are Kenny Roberts. When I was starting to ride bikes in the 60's the Honda 305 Scrambler seemed like a big bike, and it was compared to the Honda 50, 150 Dream, and the tiny 2 strokes. Even the Harleys and Triumphs were slugs compared to today's models. The Honda 750 was a big bike when it came out, now that is a mid-size or even less. The point is the horsepower race has allowed young, brazen kids to ride ultra-fast machines that are way above their capability. Speeds way above the speed limit and even further above common sense are common place. The other traffic can't react fast enough for those speeds, either. These are the reasons the increase in deaths.
Anonymous
yes i agrea with MJSWAN ! verry much true and now a days its mat meladin sorry for miss spellin it! and yes bikes r way toooooo fast to much power! 3 years ago i was in a huge accedent and im peralised wast dowe! i was ridin a 04 gsxr 750. and i had a 05 hayabusa 1300 and i was just ridin that to the beach i just croused that one! but the 750 was my rocket! iv bin ridin 4 about 3 years and iv had close calls but never in a accedent! but one day i was goin to the banck wich is abot a mile away and around 12 oclock in a little tow in glendale ca a 83 year old lady in a suv made a left tern in front of my i was goin about 60 mph yes i was fast the speed limit was 45 there. but the point is that ya if i was goin the speed limit maby it wouldnt of bin this bad! i dont know! but still would of crashed. i hit the car head first right on the senter frame of the car and i totteled it thank god im still alive! but its not cuz yungsters ride fast yes its a part! but then agen old ppl too old r still driving and in calli u would finde the dummbest drivers ever! just wish i knew that b 4 i wrode! o and at the time i was 22 years old and i was a good rider just to add.
det
Like a lot of these posts, I've been ridding for years and also have observed a lot of new ridders that think nothing bad can ever happen to them. With more people buying bikes to save money, I guess we should expect the death toll to go up since I agree that most new ridders just don't seem to understand that the only way to ride a bike is to assume that all of those cars out there never see you. The second rule is to ride within yourself and your bike's capabilities. One thing that has really disturbed me in all of my years of ridding (over 35) are the cars that think it is 'fun' to serve over and try to scare someone on a motorcycle, often forcing you to run off the road to avoid them. If a car is at an intersection, you can be sure it will pull out in front of you. On two lane roads they will pass the car in front of them and enter your lane as if you do not exist. We just don't have enough ridders to command awareness for us when we ride. So, if you ride, you must be defensive all of the time. However, even that said, I will continue to ride. I will continue to be defensive and I will continue to wear my helmut, not just for safety, but shucks, it's much more comfortable to ride with it on anyway, wind, bugs, and noise are eliminated.
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