Motorcycle deaths decline in 2009

After 11 straight years of steady increases in motorcycle deaths, new preliminary data for 2009 shows a decrease in fatalities by at least 10 percent according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

The data is considered preliminary, since some states have not reported the last two or three months of the year, but most state counts are complete or nearly complete through nine months of 2009. The data shows a 16 percent decrease through September 2009 and final data is expected to reveal a 10-15 percent decrease overall in 2009. Total motorcycle fatalities in 2008 were 5,290, and 2009 totals are expected to be 4,762 deaths or less.

Thirty-eight states plus the District of Columbia reported a drop in fatalities compared to 2008 and 12 states reported an increase.

In this first state-by-state comparison of fatalities for 2009, the most notable changes were in California where deaths are predicted to be down 29 percent, Florida 27 percent, and New York 16 percent. California and Florida are the top two states for motorcycle fatalities, respectively.

Some reasons given for the decline include less travel due to the economy, fewer new riders, increased state focus on safety programs, and poor weather conditions that held bikers indoors in some areas.

Another reason for the decline in deaths could be the increase in helmet use. A December report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that helmet use in 2009 rose to 67 percent from 63 percent in 2008 and has been increasing for the past five years. However, more work needs to be done as 41 percent of riders killed on motorcycles were not wearing helmets. Thirty states currently allow some or all riders to eschew helmets. We think all states should mandate helmet use.

Besides helmets, a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), found that motorcycles with antilock braking systems (ABS) are 37 percent less likely to be in fatal crashes than those without.

The GHSA also notes that while the drop in deaths is good news, it only represents one year and more work needs to be done after the many years of increases since 1997. Other suggestions to continue the progress include more police enforcement and training to identify and ticket drunken motorcyclists, reduce speeding, which is a factor in 35 percent of fatal crashes, and provide more motorcycle training programs and courses in all states.

—Liza Barth

Read our tips on riding safety and see our motorcycle and scooter buying advice and ratings.