Report: Motorcycle deaths down, but so is helmet use

Motorcycle crash-related fatalities declined 2 percent in 2010 from the year before, according to a report released Tuesday, but far fewer motorcyclists are wearing helmets.
 
The results of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report presented a mixed bag for state transportation officials, who noted the decline in fatalities from 2008 to 2009 had been much greater.
 
"While on the surface the national decline is good news, deeper analysis of the data reveals some areas for concern," the GHSA said in a statement. "First, 2010’s decrease of at least 2 percent is far less than 2009’s dramatic 16 percent decrease. Second, the 2010 decrease was concentrated in the early months of the year, with fatalities actually increasing by about 3 percent in the third quarter compared with the same quarter in 2009.

"Additionally, with the improving economy and surging gas prices, motorcycle travel is expected to increase, thus increasing exposure to risk," the statement continued.
 
The report also found that motorcycle helmet use dropped “alarmingly,” from 67 percent in 2009 to 54 percent in 2010.
 
GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey, who is director of Maryland's Highway Safety Office, said officials in his state and others are playing close attention to the motorcycle numbers.
 
“In my state, we suspect motorcycle fatalities increased 3 percent largely because of an unusual spike in crashes in one of our more rural counties," he said in a statement. "We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners in this area to address the issue.
 
"Additionally, Maryland has stepped up efforts in work zones to ensure motorcycle riders are as safe as possible, is placing more emphasis on training and licensure and is increasing investment in the state’s public information and education campaign,” Betkey said.