Motorcyclist traffic fatalities in the United States decreased about 7% in 2013 compared to 2012, based on preliminary data supplied to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This will be only the second year since 1997 that motorcyclist fatalities decreased. In the preliminary data, motorcyclist fatalities decreased by 10.1% during the first nine months of 2013. The decrease will be less in the final data because some fatalities that occurred during these months are not yet included in state data files. GHSA expects the underreporting to be about 3.2%, based on its experience from the past three years. GHSA estimates that the final motorcyclist fatality total for 2013 will be approximately 7% less than the 4,957 recorded in 2012, or about 4,610. Motorcyclist fatalities in 2013 will have dropped to about the same level as 2011. Motorcyclist fatalities increased in 2012 because of the weather. The first six months of 2012 were unusually warm and dry in much of the nation. This increased motorcycle travel and motorcyclist fatalities substantially compared to 2011. The weather in the first six months of 2013 was generally cooler and wetter, similar to 2011, and motorcyclist fatalities in many states dropped back to 2011 levels. Motorcyclist fatalities in 2013 remained at the same level as in 2011. Motorcycles are dangerous for their riders and passengers. In 2011, motorcycles produced six times more occupant fatalities per registration than passenger vehicles. Passenger vehicle occupants were twice as safe in 2011 as in 1997, measured by fatalities per registered vehicle. But motorcyclist safety, by the same measure, has not changed in fifteen years. In particular, motorcycle helmet use has not increased: it was 64% in 1996 and 60% in 2012. Motorcyclist fatalities can be reduced by consistent and long-term use of proven countermeasures. States should adopt strategies to increase helmet use, reduce alcohol impairment and speeding, train all motorcycle operators and ensure they are properly licensed, and educate other drivers to share the road with motorcyclists. The most effective strategy by far is to enact universal helmet use laws in the 31 states that lack them. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting