Number of motorcyclist fatalities continues to rise

A positive downward trend in the number of overall motor vehicle fatalities over the past few years has been disrupted by a disturbing rise in the number of motorcycle riders killed in accidents. Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, said that in 2007 the overall number of traffic fatalities fell to 41,059, the lowest number since 1994. In addition, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled was 1.37, the lowest fatality rate on record, she noted.

Unfortunately, motorcycle fatalities continued a 10-year increase, reaching 5,154 in 2007, the highest number since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started collecting fatality crash data in 1975. Motorcycle fatalities now account for 13 percent of all traffic deaths and, in 2007 alone, the number of motorcycle riders or passengers killed on the nation's roads increased 6.6 percent over the previous year. Injuries from motorcycle accidents are also on the rise—there were 103,000 in 2007 compared to 88,000 a year earlier, an increase of 17 percent.

To draw attention to the growing number of motorcycle mishaps, the DOT has made motorcycle safety a centerpiece of its end-of-summer campaign, "Over the limit. Under arrest" to curb drunk driving, and has created several public service announcements on the topic.

One of the ads (see image) features a motorcyclist being pulled over by the police. When he's approached by an officer, the rider lifts his visor and beer comes spilling out of his helmet. Of course, the message is that motorcycle accidents are no laughing matter.

Indeed, the number of motorcycle fatalities has increased as the number of states requiring helmets has declined. In 1975, 47 states required riders to wear helmets but now only 20 do, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.  As we've written before, Secretary Peters rides a motorcycle herself and is an advocate for helmet safety.

Motorcycle safety has taken on an added urgency as more drivers turn to the bikes to combat high gas prices.  NHTSA is promoting its "Share the road" campaign to educate drivers of both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles in ways to coexist on the highway. In a play on words one ad says, "Objects in mirror are more vulnerable than they appear." The message is intended to alert drivers of cars, SUVs and trucks that motorcycles may be difficult to see because of their smaller size and that motorcyclists are more susceptible to potential accidents and injuries.

At Consumer Reports we've been writing about motorcycle safety for years. The tips we offered in an article we published in 1981 still resonate today. You can read more about motorcycles and scooters on our Cars blog or join a discussion on the topic in our forums.