Aug. 17, 2004
For more information contact:
Scott Falb
515-237-3154
scott.falb@dot.iowa.gov
Motorcycle fatalities
increase 219 percent
AMES, Iowa – Statistics
recently compiled by the Iowa Department of Transportation show motorcycle
fatalities have increased every year since 1996. In 2003 motorcycle fatalities
were approximately 219 percent higher than in 1996, while the number of licensed
motorcycle riders has increased only 4 percent. A comparison of recorded
injuries from motorcycle crashes in 1996 and 2003 shows a 22 percent increase.
|
|
|
|
Motorcycle |
License |
|
Year |
Fatalities |
Injuries |
Registrations |
Holders |
|
1996 |
16 |
710 |
108,670 |
215,316 |
|
1997 |
26 |
679 |
107,473 |
213,626 |
|
1998 |
27 |
638 |
109,235 |
214,521 |
|
1999 |
30 |
652 |
107,645 |
215,537 |
|
2000 |
32 |
771 |
110,395 |
215,660 |
|
2001 |
38 |
730 |
120,961 |
217,566 |
|
2002 |
41 |
793 |
124,230 |
221,495 |
|
2003 |
51 |
867 |
N/A |
224,042 |
Through
the first week of August, 32 motorcycle fatalities have been reported this year.
There were 26 fatalities through the same period in 2003. There were 27
fatalities in 2002, 14 in 2001 and 20 fatalities in 2000.
Scott
Falb of the DOT’s Office of Driver Services says, “Given the difference
between the number of fatalities reported in 2004 and 2003, the final number for
2004 could top 60 fatalities if the current trend continues.”
All
of the fatalities recorded by the DOT were motorcycle drivers or passengers. In
a 2003 study of motorcycle fatality crashes, 56 percent were single-vehicle
crashes. So far in 2004, 47 percent of the crashes involve one vehicle, 43
percent involve one motorcycle and another vehicle, and 10 percent involve two
motorcycles.
Speed
appears to be an underlying factor in a majority of the crashes. Because
motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and are often difficult to see, DOT
officials encourage all motorcycle drivers to use defensive driving skills,
drive at a safe speed, wear a helmet and clothing that is easily seen, and never
ride while impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
|
Helmet
Use in Fatal Crashes |
Average |
||||||||
|
USE |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
Use |
|
USED |
2 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
1 |
8.0% |
|
NOT
USED |
14 |
22 |
23 |
23 |
30 |
36 |
34 |
47 |
87.7% |
|
UNKNOWN |
0 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4.2% |
|
TOTAL |
16 |
26 |
27 |
30 |
32 |
38 |
41 |
51 |
100.0% |
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