Motorcycle Accident Fatalities

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released its data for 2013 motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities.
There is good news to report as the number of motorcycle rider deaths and injuries resulting from accidents showed a 6.4% decline. There were 318 less fatal motorcycle accidents in 2013 than in 2012, and 5,000 less motorcycle accident injuries in the same time period. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is encouraged by these most recent statistics as they show a significant reduction as compared to data from 2011/2012 which showed a nine percent increase in motorcycle accident fatalities.

Following the 2012 report, the GHSA chairman communicated the need to implement effective strategies to prevent the growing number of motorcycle accident tragedies. The NHTSA uses the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) as the source for collecting data on the total number of all types of fatal motor vehicle accidents. The data is pulled from all 50 states, in addition to Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. In order for data to be included in this reporting system, the accident must meet certain criteria. A motor vehicle (car, motorcycle and/or truck) must be involved, the accident must occur on a public road, and the accident must result in a fatality within 30 days of the accident.

The GHSA, along with other safety advocates, recommend several safety protocols to protect motorcyclists:
Always wear a helmet
Reduce driving speed
Avoid impaired driving
Provide ride training for all those who need or want it
Ensure all riders are properly licensed
Encourage all drivers to share the road with motorcycles

Safe driving practices will remain the focus of the GHSA in an effort to continue to reduce motorcycle accidents.