Decline in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes for First Time in Eleven Years

October 12, 2010 (by Horatio Algren) According to reports the number of fatal motorcycle crashes is down for the first time in eleven years in the U.S. and California.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the motorcycle fatalities reported in the United States for 2009 decreased for the first time in over a decade. In 2009 there were 4,462 fatal motorcycle crashes, compared with 5,312 during 2008.

In California the number of motorcycle riders killed was 394 in 2009, which is down from 560 reported motorcycle fatalities in 2008.

So far in 2010 there have been 62 motorcycle collisions according to the California Highway Patrol’s Rancho Cucamonga Station Officer Jeff Briggs, with only one fatality.

During 2009 there were 90 motorcycle collisions, with three fatalities and 94 crashes with three fatalities in 2008 in the area the officers patrol. There were 115 collisions in 2007, with five fatalities, patrolled by the Rancho Cucamonga California Highway Patrol Officers. The areas these officers patrol are the 210, 10, 71, 15 and 60 freeways.

According to Traffic Safety officials they believe there are reasons for the decline in motorcycle related deaths. These include dropping gasoline prices that are down four percent from 2007 and 2008. There has been a drop in motorcycle registrations and the downturn in the economy, according to officials.

Briggs stated the constant education for motorcycles and the public has helped drop the fatalities. The CHP officer cited that May is Motorcycle Safety Month when officers educate both motorcycle riders and drivers about safety on the road.

Peter Horst spokesman for the American Motorcycle Association with 230,000 members stated that any decline in fatalities is good news. Horst is not sure that the reasons in the decline is clear and that while some officials are stating it is due to the economy, the association is not aware of any studies that have been done to support that.

This has been a free public service message from the Los Angeles injury lawyer at Ehline Law Firm 633 W 5th St, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 213.596.9642.