Area motorcycle deaths disproportionate

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Yearly motorcycle deaths have more than doubled across the nation over the past 10 years and account for a disproportionate number of motor vehicle deaths in the Washington region, according to a study by the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Motorcycles represented 13 percent of all motor vehicle deaths in Maryland but 3 percent of registered vehicles in 2006, the most recent year for which data was available.

Motorcycles were responsible for 7 percent of fatalities in Virginia but comprised only 2 percent of vehicle registrations, the study said.

The District of Columbia, with its dearth of highways, saw one motorcycle death in 2006.

“Maryland, D.C. and Virginia are generally better off than other states and jurisdictions; however, motorcyclists are over-represented in fatality rates in all three jurisdictions,” association spokesman Jonathan Adkins said.

The organization released the study amid speculation that ballooning gasoline prices will funnel an increasing number of commuters to the fuel-efficient two-wheelers.

Motorcycles have exploded in popularity in the past decade, with national sales exceeding one million in each of the past five years, according to statistics from trade group Motorcycle Industry Council.

Motorcycles average 50 mpg, double the mileage of many cars.

“With gas prices, we're concerned that a lot of folks without proper training will start riding motorcycles,” Adkins said.

Virginia, which saw 69 motorcycle deaths in 2006, does not require rider training for motorcyclists and has a shortage of classes, with wait times ranging from eight to 12 weeks, the study said.

Virginia does have an active motorcycle advisory committee and a statewide motorcycle safety plan.

Maryland, which saw 84 deaths in 2006, requires rider education for minors, but also has an active motorcycle task force and a statewide motorcycle safety plan.

Unlike most states, Virginia, Maryland and the District all have mandatory helmet laws, though 12 of the 84 riders killed in Maryland in 2006 were not wearing helmets.

Two were not wearing helmets in Virginia, and the sole rider fatally injured in the District was not wearing one.

tluntz@dcexaminer.com

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