NHTSA has recently redefined their motorcycle terminology. The following terms will be used to define motorcycle occupants: a motorcycle rider is the operator only; a passenger is any person seated on the motorcycle but not in control of the motorcycle; and any combined reference to the “motorcycle rider” (operator) as well as the “passenger” will be referred to as motorcyclists. Prior NHTSA publications may not reflect this terminology. In 2007, 5,154 motorcyclists were killed–an increase of 7 percent over the 4,837 motorcyclists killed in 2006. There were 103,000 motorcyclists injured during 2007. The number of people injured in crashes was estimated to be below 2.5 million for the first time since NHTSA began collecting injury data in 1988. In 2007, about 2.49 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, compared to 2.58 million in 2006 (see Table 1). This constitutes the eighth consecutive yearly reduction in people injured (see Chart 2, overleaf). The number of people injured declined in all categories except motorcyclists and pedestrians. (Author/publisher)
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