When fourth quarter figures are in it is expected that motorcycle fatalities in the U.S. will show an overall decline for 2010. According to a report released this morning by the Governor's Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the final total is expected to be about 4,376, versus 4,465 in 2009, a decrease of at least 2 percent.
These preliminary figures are only complete for the first three months of the year. Final figures await complete reporting for the fourth quarter. On a state-by-state basis, half are expected to show decreases in fatalities while the other half are expected to show increases. But the overall figures are down.
The first quarter of 2010 showed the best results, with a substantial decrease. The second quarter showed another small increase, but the tally rose slightly in the third quarter.
The decrease is seen as good news in that it continues the trend that began in 2009, where a steady 11-year doubling of motorcycle fatalities was finally broken. However, the GHSA cautioned that "The good news of 2010’s likely decrease in motorcyclist fatalities must be tempered with several disturbing observations. First, 2010’s predicted 2% decrease is far less than 2009’s 16% decrease. Second, the decrease was concentrated in the early months: fatalities dropped only slightly in the second quarter and rose in the third quarter. Next, it’s highly likely that motorcycle travel is increasing as the economy improves. Finally, use of DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets dropped an alarming 13 percentage points in 2010. To prevent an increase in motorcyclist fatalities in 2011, states should work to increase helmet use, provide motorcycle operator training to all who need or seek it, and reduce motorcyclist alcohol impairment and speeding."
For the first nine months of 2010, Texas showed the greatest decrease in fatalities, with 311 compared to 371 in 2009. Louisiana followed with 37 fewer and Oklahoma had 25 fewer deaths. The largest increases were seen in New York and Wisconsin, which both recorded an additional 24 deaths. The tally in New York increased from 136 to 160 and in Wisconsin the tally rose from 75 to 99. Michigan recorded an increase in deaths of 19, from 92 to 111.
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