Some bad news from the NHTSA....

[ebiker]

...a preliminary tally of motor vehicle injuries and fatalities for year 2005 shows an increase in motorcycle related deaths. M/C fatals for 2005 increased by 307 for a total of 4315. Although this number is below the record set in 1980 (5211), it may indicate to the general public that many motorcyclists simply don't know how to ride safely. So we might see some fallout from that!!

Several weeks ago the motorcycle industry council reported motorcycle sales for 2005 just exceeded 1-million sales. It's anyone guess if NHTSA will use MIC sales numbers in the final report scheduled for release in late summer '06.

In another area on the NHTSA site, a study recently completed in Virginia determined driver inattentiveness was the leading cause of motor vehicle crash or near crash. Cellphone usage was a prime factor......DUH!

They could have saved money and simply have asked any motorcyclist.

Ed..

[MikeCam]

Raw deaths are not informative enough, unfortunately. Deaths per mile ridden would match the way vehiclular deaths are reported. In that regard, deaths of motorcyclists are way down from all prior years. Good news?

Also, the Euro report indicated a roughly 1/3 split in causes of MC accidents (not just deaths): 1/3 rider errors of all types (essentially self-induced); 1/3 alcohol related (impaired and stupid); 1/3 other hazards (other vehicles, road hazards, animals, etc).

We can protect from 1st and 2nd pretty well through self-improvement. We can only prepare for 3rd by constant vigilance.