Decrease in US Motorcycle Deaths

A report by the Governors Highway Safety Association says about 4,600 motorcycle riders died on the road in 2013. That is likely the result of bad weather that kept riders off the road, explains report author Jim Hedlund. “In 2013 the weather returned back to normal levels, so cooler and wetter than in 2012 and that undoubtedly cut down on motorcycling and probably was the main reason for the reduction in fatalities.” Hedlund says thanks to the weather, motorcycle fatalities decreased to the same level as two years ago. “In 2013, we expect motorcycle fatalities to be down by about 7% over their total for 2012 that means they will be essential the same level they were in 2011.” Riders should do three things to avoid becoming a statistic, continues Hedlund. “Wear your helmet, get properly trained and properly licensed and finally don’t drink and ride. All of those factors contribute to fatalities.” Unfortunately, the Governors Highway Safety Association report found that helmet use has not changed in roughly 15 years.