News Release

May 12, 2008

Motorcycle safety month focuses on ways to reverse the
trend of increased fatalities

AMES , Iowa – May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, and the unfortunate trend of more motorcyclists dying on Iowa roadways continues. Reducing motorcycle crash deaths requires everyone on Iowa 's roads to be more alert to roadway conditions and other roadway users. In these days of “distracted driving,” including cell phone use and text messaging, awareness of motorcycles by other motorists and increased visibility of motorcyclists can make a life-saving difference.

Last year in Iowa, 61 fatalities occurred in crashes involving motorcycles, up four from 2006. This continued an 11-year trend of rising motorcycle fatalities, with the low being 16 in 1996. This year, as of April 28, seven motorcyclists have died in crashes on Iowa roadways

An analysis of the 2007 fatal crashes shows 69 percent of motorcycle fatalities and 60 percent of major injuries to motorcyclists were in single-vehicle crashes. So far in 2008, two-thirds of the motorcycle fatal crashes have been single-vehicle crashes.

While multi-vehicle crashes account for a minority of fatal motorcycle crashes in our state, visibility of motorcyclists in traffic is an issue being addressed by many riders who are adding modulating headlamps; wearing more brightly colored, visible apparel and helmets; and changing riding techniques to make their vehicles easier to be seen in traffic.

Iowa motorcycle facts

• Fatalities are up 281 percent from the low in 1996.
• Injuries have increased 62 percent from the low in 1998.
• Motorcycle registrations are up 43 percent from the low in 1997.
• Drivers licensed for motorcycle operation have increased 13 percent from the low in 1997.
  

What caused the crashes?

• Nearly 30 percent of fatal crashes in 2007 involved motorcycle speed.
• More than 40 percent of fatal crashes in 2007 involved the motorcyclist losing control of the vehicle.
• Historically, more than 30 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved the motorcyclists being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Seven motorcycle/deer crashes resulted in 10 fatalities last year.

For more information about motorcycle safety education and a brochure with tips for motorists and cyclists, visit http://www.iowamre.com/ .

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