California Motorcycle Accidents -2009 Statistics

In a survey released by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities in California have declined by almost 25 percent during the first half of 2009, the first time since 1996.
In a survey released by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities in California have declined by almost 25 percent during the first half of 2009, the first time since 1996.

According to the survey, motorcycle-related deaths were increasing an average of 10 percent every year, between 1997 and 2008. This alarming trend was then reversed by the latest data between January and June 2009, with only 198 people killed in motorcycle crashes compared to 264 deaths for the same period last year.

California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Director Christopher Murphy said the declining number of fatalities is a welcoming development to motorcycle riders and their families.

Motorcycle Safety

Several years ago, traffic officials and safety experts noticed there was an upward trend in motorcycle deaths and motorized scooter injury in California.

With this alarming trend, the local government and different organizations have focused on providing mass media campaigns to teach motorcycle riders on safe riding.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is also encouraging people, both amateur and experienced riders, to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Training Program (CMSP).

Safety training has been found to be highly effective in reducing motorcycle deaths that CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow is urging every rider to enroll in this program.

State officials also believe that the declining number of motorcycle fatalities can be attributed to the universal helmet law that requires all riders of motorized scooters and bicycles to wear a federally-approved helmet to protect their heads from fatal injuries.

The helmet law in California, which is one of the strictest in the US, is based on a study that shows riders are 37 times more likely to die from head injuries compared to car passengers.

Furthermore, the University of Southern California analyzed more than 3,600 motorcycle crashes and concluded that majority of survivors were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.

This finding is supported by several studies which show that helmets have saved nearly 20,000 people between 1984 and 2006.

Statistics on Motorcycle Victims

In a government survey, more than 37 percent of riders who were killed in motorcycle crashes were not properly licensed.

Most victims were also young males who accounted for 38 percent of fatalities. Safety experts believe that this particular age group is at higher risk in traffic accidents compared to adult riders with their tendencies to be reckless.