Motorcycle Death Toll Rises

August 2005

There’s bad news for motorcycle riders. Despite the decline of overall highway deaths, motorcycle fatalities nationwide are on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,008 motorcycle riders were killed in highway accidents in 2004, a 7.9% increase from 2003. Possible causes for the increase in fatalities include a surge in motorcycle ownership, the repeal of many states’ mandatory helmet laws, and more inexperienced riders on the roads.

According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Americans bought an estimated 734,000 motorcycles last year, a significant increase from previous years. But a spokesman for the highway administration says the blame may lie with states that have done away with helmet laws. A study released by the agency showed an 81% rise in Florida motorcycle deaths in a three-year period after rescinding the state’s helmet law in 2000. Anti-helmet groups counter that more bike owners are inexperienced middle-aged riders without proper training.

The disturbing rise in motorcycle fatalities recently caught the attention of Congress. Legislators have added $3 million to a federal transportation bill for a study on motorcycle crashes.

For more information on motorcycle accidents visit the Motorcycle Legal Center.

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