In what can only be considered good news for motorcyclists, federal officials have reported that motorcycle fatalities saw their first drop since 1998, marking the end of an 11-year, 175-percent increase. Among all types of motorists, motorcyclists had the second-largest reduction in fatalities, behind large-truck occupants, and the largest drop in alcohol-impaired fatalities – also a 16 percent reduction. “The death of any motorcyclist is one too many, so this news that fatalities are down is encouraging,” said Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations.
Motorcycle Miles Traveled Increases and Riding Risk Drops
According to the report, 4,462 riders died in 2009 – 850 fewer than in 2008. The reduction came while motorcycle miles traveled increased approximately 5 percent last year, some 1,3 billion more miles than in 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council’s 2009 Motorcycle Owner Survey. Also, 11 million motorcycles were in use last year, an increase of some 500,000 compared with 2008. “There’s always more work to promote and improve safety, but everyone at the Motorcycle Industry Council is heartened by this news,” said MIC Chairman Larry Little. “It shows that we can lower our level of risk out on the road, while we’re putting more miles on more bikes for both transportation and pure fun. The MIC conducts research that’s absolutely relevant to this story. Our Motorcycle Owner Survey provides the best information available on American motorcyclists. It’s the only accurate source for motorcycle miles traveled and it’s one of the MIC’s more important efforts to assist riders everywhere. We thank all our members for funding this vital study.”
“As co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus and a rider myself, it is gratifying to hear that motorcycle fatalities are down so dramatically, particularly when motorcycle vehicle miles traveled have increased,” said Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona. “The caucus is committed to continuing to highlight our key messages: Riders should be trained, licensed and ride responsibly, and other road users must be on the lookout for motorcyclists.”
