Conclusions from a U.S. Government study of motorcycle accidents:
The findings from the analysis described in this report identify a variety of trends from FARS data, available exposure data and calculated rates. Analyses from all data sources support FARS data about greater involvement of riders in the over 40 age group and 1,001-1,500 cc engine motorcycles in fatal crashes.
Findings from FARS, MIC, FHWA and US Census Bureau data provide insight into
possible reasons for the increase in motorcyclist fatalities in recent years and could aid in the design of crash prevention programs:
1.2.1 Exposure data show more motorcycles on the road with more vehicle miles
traveled;
1.2.2 More people over age 40 are operating motorcycles;
1.2.3 Larger engine motorcycles are being bought and operated;
1.2.4 There are more motorcyclist fatalities on rural roadways in recent years;
1.2.5 Undivided roadways account for a majority of motorcyclist fatalities particularly on rural roadways;
1.2.6 Speeding is still one of the major factors in motorcycle crashes especially among riders under the age of 30;
1.2.7 High BAC levels continues to be a major problem among motorcycle operators;
1.2.8 Helmet use is only slightly above 50 percent among motorcyclists killed with a 10 percent increase from 1990 (43 percent) to 1999 (53 percent); and
1.2.9 Motorcycle operators, especially in the under 20 and 20-29 age groups, are often improperly licensed to operate motorcycles
