Motorcycle Deaths Increase Significantly

August 2008

The number of motorcycle fatalities jumped in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorcycle deaths now account for nearly one in eight motor vehicle deaths.

While car and truck fatalities and deaths of pedestrians or bicyclists decreased by close to 2,000 last year, reaching a historic low, deaths of motorcyclists jumped. The motorcycle fatality rate rose by 6.6 percent to 5,154, making 2007 the tenth consecutive year of increase. This rise is expected to continue, as high gas prices will likely encourage many to choose their fuel-efficient motorcycles for travel instead of their cars.

In 1997, motorcycle deaths were at their lowest number, 2,116. Since 1997, motorcycle fatalities have increased 128 percent and their share of crash deaths has surged from 5 percent to nearly 13 percent.