 |
| Tulsa police examine a motorcycle that was involved in an accident. Motorcycle fatalities in Oklahoma fell 30 percent in 2010 as compared to the previous year. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World |
For once, Oklahoma has come out looking good in some national rankings: According to a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, Oklahoma had one of the biggest declines in motorcycle fatalities in 2010 in the entire nation, posting a whopping 30 percent drop over the previous year's figure.
The decline may be just because there are fewer motorcycles on the road, or some other similar explanation. Then again, it may be that we're getting safer out there.
Let's hope it's the latter, because it's predicted that two-wheeled transportation will become even more common as more Americans discover the economy of motorcycles and scooters, and as more and more baby boomers attempt to recapture their misspent youth.
The GHSA report noted that motorcycle fatalities declined nationally at least 2 percent in 2010 over 2009, which saw an astounding 16 percent drop over the previous year.
The association estimated there were 4,465 motorcycle fatalities in 2009, and predicted there would be 4,376 or fewer in 2010. (States were still gathering data when the preliminary report was released in April.)
The two years of declines in motorcycle fatalities were cheered by riding enthusiasts (myself included) as indications that safety programs and other measures are working. Prior to 2009, motorcycle deaths had increased for 11 straight years.
According to the report, Oklahoma had 83 motorcycle deaths in the first nine months of 2009, compared with 58 deaths in the first nine months of 2010.
The GHSA's researchers, who surveyed safety offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, feel confident that the final figures will represent at least a 2 percent decline over the previous year.
The researchers projected declines in about half of the states, and remarkable declines in several states, including Texas (16 percent), Oregon (27 percent) and Oklahoma.
What could be accounting for this good news? Officials who saw both declines and increases in fatalities had lots of theories.
States that saw decreases in fatalities in many cases have put more emphasis on motorcycle safety. Activities included safety-promotion events, strategic safety plans, and educational and awareness campaigns. These states also were more likely to offer expanded rider-training opportunities. Some states took steps to address specific problem sites.
Some state officials believe there are fewer beginning riders taking to the road, a theory backed up by some dealers who report more recent sales to experienced riders rather than new riders.
Less travel was a factor in some states, where officials believe the economy was keeping some residents from taking up riding. Bad weather also kept lots of bikers off the roads in some states.
Tougher legislation increasing the penalties for riding without a motorcycle endorsement on drivers licenses, and also requiring motorcycle safety courses to obtain an endorsement, also were credited with bringing down fatalities.
Not surprisingly, states that had seen growth in registrations also in some cases experienced increases in fatalities.
Helmet use is a big factor in fatalities, and the recent trend toward less usage could have kept the declines in the last two years from being more dramatic.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report found that use of federally compliant helmets - the most protective type - dropped by 13 points in 2010, from 67 percent in 2009 to 54 percent. Un-helmeted riders increased from 24 percent to 32 percent. Use of federally compliant helmets dropped by 10 points in states with universal helmet laws and by 15 points in states without such laws. (Thirty states don't have universal helmet laws.)
According to the NHTSA, helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to operators, and 41 percent effective for passengers. In 2008, 42 percent of fatally injured motorcyclists were not wearing helmets; it's estimated that 822 of them would have lived if they had been wearing helmets.
The American College of Emergency Physicians' position on helmets is: "It is the single most effective strategy to prevent death and serious injury. NHTSA estimates that nearly 20,000 motorcyclists were saved by helmets between 1984 and 2006. It also estimates that more than 12,000 people might have been saved had they worn helmets."
Helmet laws were required by the federal government years ago, and by 1975, all but three states mandated helmet use for all motorcyclists. But mandates and incentives changed over the years, and now only 20 states have universal helmet laws. Most of the other states have laws requiring helmet use for some riders, usually younger ones.
While helmet use is advisable in the view of safety experts, they are hugely unpopular with many riders, who contend they restrict their sight and hearing, among other problems. History and experience indicate mandatory helmet laws are a tough sell politically - just look at how many states have repealed mandatory helmet laws - so chances are there won't be a groundswell of support to reinstate them.
While mandatory helmet laws continue to be debated, we now know that expanded safety measures are proving to be more and more effective. More training for beginning riders would be a good idea. Public awareness and educational campaigns work. Better enforcement of speeding and alcohol impairment laws also would help. Highway safety data for 2008 show that 35 percent of all riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding. In 2009, 29 percent of fatally injured riders had blood-alcohol levels above the legal limit, and another 7 percent had lower levels of alcohol.
While the news on fatalities was generally good, there is still plenty of reason for concern. Most of the declines occurred in the first half of the year, with fatalities actually increasing in the third quarter.
In reviewing the national data, GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey said, "While there is a lot of good news in this report, the increase in fatalities toward the end of the year is a clear red flag. Just like with overall traffic deaths, a strengthening economy presents us with the potential for more tragedy on our roads. We are going to be very aggressive in targeting our programs where they are needed the most. Additionally, we will continue to remind all roadway users that motorcycles are a legal and legitimate way of transportation and we all need to safely share the road."
-------------------------------
source: www.tulsaworld.com (Pearson, 6/26)
No comments:
Post a Comment