Definitions often vary across publications with respect to individuals on motorcycles. For this document, the following terms will be used: the motorcycle rider refers only to individual operating the motorcycle; the passenger refers to any person seated on, but not operating, the motorcycle; the motorcyclist is a more general term that refers to either the rider and/or passenger. NHTSA publications prior to 2007 may not reflect this terminology. For the purpose of this fact sheet the following vehicles are include in the definition of motorcycle: mopeds, scooters, two- or three-wheeled motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, scooters, mini bikes, pocket bikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATV). In 2009, 4,462 motorcyclists were killed, a decrease of 16 percent from the 5,312 motorcyclists killed in 2008. There were 90,000 motorcyclists injured during 2009. (Author/publisher)
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