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Study Tracks Increase In Motorcycle Fatalities Nationwide
News Channel 8 file photo by RUGENE MOORE
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Published: June 18, 2008
Updated: 06/18/2008 10:28 pm
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A federal study detailing the increasing number of motorcycle fatalities across the country will be released today, according to a spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association in Washington, D.C.
The report features a breakdown of motorcycle and passenger fatalities on a state-by-state basis and emphasizes safety efforts regarding motorcycle helmet laws, spokesman Jonathan Adkins said.
To curb the number of crashes and fatalities, three states — Florida, Maine and Rhode Island — will require riders of all ages to take motorcycle safety classes, Adkins said.
The Florida law requiring riders to take the mandatory classes goes into effect in July, he said.
Motorcyclists in at least 33 states including the state of Florida can have their licensing tests waived for the completion of a rider training course. Many riders, however, choose to forego a license, leading to the causes of many motorcycle fatalities, Adkins said.
In 2006, 25 percent of operators in fatal motorcycle crashes did not obtain valid motorcycle license
"Only 24 states reported that user fees alone support their motorcycle safety/education efforts," said Jonathan Adkins, Communication Director of the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Passenger vehicle fatalities have declined in recent years yet motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled in the past 10 years, according to the study.
Twenty states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have enacted a universal motorcycle helmet law which covers all riders.
Twenty-seven states as well as Guam have motorcycle laws which only cover certain riders and three states have no motorcycle helmet laws, Adkins said.
In Florida, riders 21 and under are required to wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older without an insurance policy that provides a minimum of $10,000 in medical coverage for motorcycle-related injuries also must wear helmets, Adkins said.
Florida has yet to join in on the special efforts regarding the promotion of motorcycle safety.
Across the United States the minimum age for a motorcycle license and endorsement ranges from the 14 to 18 years of age. In Florida the individual has to be 16 years of age.
To read the full study, visit the Governors Highway Safety Association Web site, www.ghsa.org.
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story contained incomplete information about Florida's motorcycle helmet laws.
Reporter Ray Reyes contributed to this report.
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