After thinking about the potential for a fatal injury incurred by motorcyclists, we need to first understand where the data is gathered from. The data (for all intense and purpose) is generated by the National Insurance group. Which means, that the number is somewhat distorted, in that, the numbers represent claims made to either vehicle’s insurance broker, so vehicles without insurance (of any kind) that crash in the middle of the woods are not represented by these statistics. Here are the numbers reported via Nancy Brotherton at (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art27693.asp) as of August of 2008.
• Overall motor vehicle occupant fatalities declined by 3.9 percent for 2007 versus 2006.
• Motorcycle fatalities have increased from 4,837 (2006) to 5,154 (2007) up 317 fatalities or 6.6 percent
o Accounted for 13 percent of total motor vehicle fatalities versus 11 percent in 2006.
• Motorcycle injuries have increased from 88,000 (2006) to 103,000 (2007) up 15,000 or 17 percent.
o You probably think the increase in fatalities is because motorcycle registrations have increased by approximately 7 percent from 2005 to 2006. NHSTA data indicates that in most years, fatality rates outpace registration rates. FARS data indicates that from 2005 to 2006, motorcycle registrations actually decreased by 1.6 percent, while fatality rates for motorcyclists increased by 5.7 percent.
• Over one-fourth of motorcycle riders in fatal accidents in 2006 had invalid licenses.
o This leads one to believe that these motorcyclists may not be as skilled or well trained as motorcyclists with a valid license, therefore, more likely to be in an accident.
• In 2007, motorcyclist fatalities increased from 2006 for all age groups with the largest increase in the age 50 and above group, increasing by as much as 16 percent. However, ages 20-29 still have the most fatalities with 1,325 in 2007 versus ages 50-59 with 931 fatalities.
• In 2007, 41 percent of motorcyclists who died in single vehicle crashes had blood alcohol content levels of .08 g/dl or higher. The age groups with the highest percentage of fatal injuries were 35-39 (41 percent) and 40-44 (39%).
• In 2006, vehicle operators with the highest percentage of fatal crashes with blood alcohol content levels of .08 g/dl or more were motorcyclists with 27 percent, passenger cars with 23 percent, light trucks with 24 percent, and larger trucks with one percent.
o The alcohol related fatal crashes data suggests that riding a motorcycle requires more concentration and skill when drinking than driving an automobile. Know your limits and use caution when riding your motorcycle.
• When motorcycles are involved in fatal crashes with another type of vehicle, in 40 percent of the cases, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight. This is a clear indicator that when approaching intersections, motorcyclists should be extra vigilant and be proactive by searching for possible obstacles or situations.
• In 2006, 37 percent of all motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding compared to 23 percent for passenger vehicles.
To me, the numbers break down the following directions — first, by breaking out the sober from the intoxicated. Then we break out trained (or seasoned) riders versus the rookies, and finally those who think they are better than they really are. One of the factors I have come to have with regards to traveling the state on my motorcycle is that I am nervous when in traffic. This nervousness makes me more aware of my exits and the the other drivers. By maintaining my exits, I allow myself the opportunity to get out of a bad situation.
Reality says the riding and drinking is never a good choice, but then again neither is it a good idea to drive and drink, nor skydive, duh! A little common sense goes a long way here…