fatalities

Federal Government Finalizes 2021 Crash Data

General Posts / By

This month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its annual report, Traffic Safety Facts 2021: A Compilation of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Data. The 225-page report contains information on crash types, causes and participants involved. Remember that while we are nearing the end of 2023, this report is 2021 data. NHTSA spent nearly two years compiling these figures before releasing the report. The data on motorcyclist fatalities is especially troubling. According to the report, in 2021, motorcyclists made up 13.8% of all nationwide traffic fatalities, with 5,932 motorcyclists killed on our nation’s roadways. That is the highest number since data collection began in 1975. In comparison, the pre-Covid year of 2019 saw 5,044 bikers killed. The number of those injured on motorcycles reported in 2021 was 82,686, which is fewer than the all-time high of 104,442 in 2016. This total injury count represents 3.3% of the 2.5 million people injured in all motor vehicle crashes. It is important to note that 2021 showed a substantial increase in motorcycles registered. The data also shows an increase in vehicle miles traveled by bikers. NHTSA data shows 9.8 million registered motorcycles with approximately 19.6 billion miles traveled in 2021. Those increases mean that while the total number of fatalities and injuries went up, fortunately, the rate per 100,000 registered motorcycles went down. Here are other takeaways: Riders accounted for 95% of deaths, while 5% were motorcycle passengers. 57% of fatalities occurred by collision with another vehicle, 26% resulted from a collision with a fixed object, 4% collision with a non-fixed object, while 13% of fatalities occurred without a collision. 34% of fatalities involved a rider impaired by alcohol. That number is in line with the 31% of alcohol-related fatalities nationwide. Riders were wearing helmets in 59% of fatalities, while riders were […]

Federal Government Finalizes 2021 Crash Data Read More »

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for May 2023

General Posts / By

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish Industry & Legislative Motorcycle News from USA and the world IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK — “COMING TOGETHER” WELCOMED AT NCOM CONVENTION AORA WOULD EXPAND MOTORIZED RECREATION MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY “FLAT” AS SALES SLIP MIC ADDS POPULAR “ADVENTURE BIKE” MARKET SEGMENT NHTSA REPORTS RISE IN MOTORCYCLIST FATALITIES WHO PROMOTES HELMET USAGE WORLDWIDE ENHANCED DRIVERS LICENSES AVAILABLE IN OHIO MOTORCYCLE TRAINING GRADUATES EXEMPTED FROM SKILLS TEST IN KENTUCKY BIG-FOUR TO CONDUCT JOINT RESEARCH ON HYDROGEN MOTORCYCLES Click Here to Read the NCOM news on Bikernet.com * * * * * * * * Click & know more about Bikernet’s Free Weekly Newsletter

NCOM Biker Newsbytes for May 2023 Read More »

Fact or Fiction – Helmet Use

General Posts / By

from Motorcycle Riders Foundation at http://mrf.org/ On a nearly annual basis the media in this country is inspired to report stories about motorcycle fatalities on our nation’s roadways. Invariably, these stories paint motorcycle rider deaths as a product of irresponsible riders who live in states that have some level of helmet choice. Frequently they report statistics that prove their narrative but fail to paint a full and complete picture. The lens with which these stories are reported often takes the naïve view that crashes can be made “safer” if only bikers somehow followed government helmet mandates. The only true solution to motorcycle safety and reducing fatalities are proactive measures, which prevent a collision from occurring at all, rather than reactive steps that may or may not offer some level of injury mitigation only after a crash has already taken place. Rider education, which prepares motorcyclists to interact with other roadway users by learning and practicing the skills necessary for hazard avoidance and developing a strategy to deal with real world traffic, is the primary component of a comprehensive motorcycle safety plan. Additionally, educating all motor vehicle operators to be alert and free of impairment as they share the road with others is critical in deterring crashes caused by inattention. When coming across these stories keep in mind some facts that are omitted from their reports. Fact: Over the last decade motorcycle related deaths have varied between years but for the most part remain flat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2019 shows 5,014 deaths, a decrease from the 2008 5,307 deaths NTSHA recorded. In that same time period registered motorcycles increased from 7.7 million in 2008 to 8.7 million ten years later. In other words, there are a million more bikes on the road and there were

Fact or Fiction – Helmet Use Read More »

More Motorcycle Safety Awareness campaigns by authorities

General Posts / By

California Highway Patrol asking motorists to drive with caution from https://www.kget.com The California Highway Patrol is recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The department says as the weather warms up, more and more motorcycles and cars are expected to be hitting the road. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show more than 500 people were killed in motorcycle-involved crashes in California in 2020 and more than 11,500 people were injured. Here in Kern County, at least eight people have died in motorcycle crashes so far this year. The CHP is asking motorcyclists to be responsible and properly equipped. They’re also asking drivers to watch out for motorcyclists on the road. CHP: Motorcycle safety requires everyone’s attention by Jaime Coffee, Information Officer II, California Highway Patrol from http://antiochherald.com The warming weather and increasing number of vehicles traveling on California’s roadways offer a timely reminder of the importance of motorcycle safety awareness for motorcyclists and motorists alike. By recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) emphasizes safe riding and driving practices for everyone. “Motorcyclists who are responsible, informed, and properly equipped can help reduce rider deaths and injuries,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists are also key to reducing crashes by being aware of the dangers and challenges of motorcycle riding. Taking the time to look twice for motorcyclists can save a life.” “Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable out in the elements, which is why it is important for drivers to always be mindful of riders,” California Office of Traffic Safety Director Barbara Rooney said. With more than 1.4 million licensed riders, motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation for Californians, another reason motorcycle safety awareness is paramount. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show more than 500

More Motorcycle Safety Awareness campaigns by authorities Read More »

$25-m motorcycle simulation centre for Westmoreland

General Posts / By

GRANGE HILL, Westmoreland — Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang says the Government is constructing a motorcycle simulation centre in Westmoreland at a cost of $25 million. The facility is expected to begin accepting students by the end of next month and each batch of students will receive training for three months. On successful completion of the programme, which is aimed at saving lives, each participant will be given a certificate, driver’s licence and helmet. Dr Chang said bikers are eager to get into the programme, but he was unable to provide details on the numbers expected to be enrolled. “They are dying, that is the reality. They are crashing every day, so, anything to improve their skill set [will be good]. You are talking about improving their riding skills, getting them to know the road code and at the same time, teaching them some skills on how to maintain the bikes. And we will give them helmets to begin to introduce some behavioural changes that will hopefully be maintained long term,” he explained. “Most of the guys who don’t wear helmets, they ride without shoes. They ride almost [in] T-shirts and shorts. So when they crash, the chances of them surviving are very, very low, and when they survive, they are physically challenged for the rest of their lives,” added the minister, who is also a medical doctor. The bike riders’ vocational training facility, which is currently being constructed on the grounds of Petersfield Vocational Training Centre in the parish, will offer first class training in the driving of motor bikes, as well as classes on their care and maintenance. According to Dr Chang, the programme forms part of the Government’s offering to divert young men from a life of crime. It is similar to an articulated truck

$25-m motorcycle simulation centre for Westmoreland Read More »

Scroll to Top