Motorcycle Fatalities Increase Causes Concern, Investigation

By Astrid Bidanec 

What could possibly be the cause for the whopping 115 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities from 1997 to 2005? Everyone knows that riding motorcycles is not only a means of transportation but also a passion for many. Unlike a car, a motorcycle becomes an extension of the owner’s soul, starting with the type of motorcycle the rider chooses. The downside however,

is too many motorcycle accidents result in death for riders and passengers due to their unshielded exposure. It does not have to be this way—there are ways to avoid a tragic outcome!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published several reports to shed light on the causes and trends in motorcycle fatalities occurring in the U.S. Even though numbers do not lie, they can often be overwhelming to make sense of.

One of the most noticeable aspects is the use of a motorcycle helmet in injury prevention.

“From 1984 through 2003, NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 14,922 motorcyclists,” as stated in the report “Motorcycle Helmet Use Laws.” The NHTSA further concludes that 10,148 more lives could have been saved by helmets.

States like Florida, where the use of a motorcycle helmet is only mandatory for riders under the age of 21, or any riders with less than $10,000 in medical coverage, show a high increase in fatalities, as well as non-fatal head injuries since the use of a helmet became optional in July 2000. Moreover, recent evidence shows that even riders under 21 years of age often leave the helmet at home.

Aside from bodily harm, this can also lead to sky high medical expenses in the event of an accident. Treatment cost for the average head injury is estimated between $10,000 and $45,602, according to the NHTSA.

While the use of a helmet can certainly be a life saver, it has also been proven that alcohol consumption can have serious effects for motorcyclists who ride under the influence. Statistics show the age of the rider and the size of the motorcycle have little effect on the outcome of an alcohol related accident. Alcohol does seem to affect people between 30-49 years of age more, most likely because agility and reaction time decrease with age, and alcohol further contributes to those impairments.

The growing popularity of motorcycles is evident in the increasing number of registrations, as well as the increase in fatalities. Whether it is due to mid-life crisis, or better financial standing, one thing is certain: the average rider is getting older. This phenomenon is concurrent with the increase in engine size. Motorcycles are getting bigger and heavier. This could very well be a significant factor in the increase of 115 percent in fatalities from 1997 to 2005. It might be safe to conclude that a smaller bike might be easier to handle under any circumstances.

According to the NHTSA most accidents and fatalities occur on weekends, when more recreational riders are on the roads. Naturally, the night time further presents additional dangers to motorcyclists, since they are harder to spot in the dark.

Of course, riding a motorcycle is one's own personal statement of freedom and independence, but it does not have to be a commitment to recklessness. While protective motorcycle gear like a helmet can certainly keep a biker safe, it is also important to avoid riding a motorcycle after the consumption of alcohol. Last but not least, the bike should not be too large for the driver to handle effectively. With just a little more conscious effort towards safety, bikers can enjoy years of healthy riding.