For the first time in 12 years, the number of motorcycle deaths in the United States is estimated to have decreased significantly, according to a report (.pdf file) released April 22 by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Preliminary statistics show motorcyclist fatalities dropped 16 percent during the first nine months of 2009 across 39 states that reported monthly data. While fatality data for the final months of 2009 is less complete, the decrease for the full year nationwide is expected to be at least 10 percent, the report indicated. States surveyed for the study attributed the decline to “less motorcycle travel due to the economy, fewer beginning motorcyclists, increased attention to motorcycle safety programs in the states and poor cycling weather in some states.”
The report is based on results from a survey of GHSA members that report fatality data for their respective states.
