Motorcycles are less stable and less visible than automobiles and tend to have higher power-to-weight ratios. When motorcycles crash, their riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, so they are more likely to be injured or killed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2008) estimates that per mile travelled in 2006, the number of deaths on motorcycles was about 35 times the number in automobiles. Since 1997 motorcyclist deaths have more than doubled, and motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2008. More motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2008 than in any other year since 1975. In contrast, fewer passenger vehicle occupants died (25,428) in crashes in 2008 than in any year during this time period. Because motorcycles do not have an enclosed occupant compartment, a key to reducing injuries and fatalities is to reduce the number of crashes. One countermeasure aimed at reducing motorcycle crashes is safety training. Three states currently require training for riders of all ages: Florida, Maine, and Rhode Island. The requirement in Florida is relatively new, enacted July 1, 2008. There also are 16 states that require rider education for license applicants younger than a specified age. Appendix A lists the states with training requirements and applicable ages. The purpose of this Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) bulletin was to determine whether states requiring rider education have lower motorcycle crash risk for those subject to the requirement than states without a requirement. (Author/publisher)
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