Washington – Motorcyclist deaths slightly decreased in 2014 for the second consecutive year and third time since 1997, according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Taking into account underreporting and using preliminary data, GHSA estimates that 4,584 motorcyclists died in 2014, down from 4,668 in 2013. Motorcyclist deaths declined in 27 states, increased in 19 states, and stayed the same in four states and the District of Columbia during the first nine months of 2014, compared to the same time period in 2013.
However, motorcyclist fatalities remain high – they increased 26 percent from 2003 to 2013 while other motor vehicle deaths decreased 28 percent.
The rate of motorcyclist deaths per registered vehicle in 2013 was similar to the 1997 rate, while the rate of deaths per passenger vehicle decreased 66 percent during that period.
The report concludes that universal helmet laws in all states could decrease deaths.
