FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MMA Safety & Education Alert - Motorcycle Fatalities on the RISE!!
2010 has been a banner year for riding – the summer weather has been relatively cool and dry compared to previous years – but while this has resulted in more motorcycles on the road, it’s also resulted in a higher than usual number of Motorcycle Fatalities. As the numbers continue to climb, the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) would like to remind all riders to be alert and ride within their skill limit!
Unfortunately, statistics don’t lie. The simple truth is that between 2005 and 2009, the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in any given month was 11. That has only happened 4 times in 48 months.
From 2005 to 2009, the month of July averaged 7.4 motorcycle fatalities, while in July, 2010, we had 14 Motorcycle Fatalities in Massachusetts – nearly TWICE the yearly average!!!
Normally, July represents about 15% of all motorcycle fatalities in Massachusetts. August is normally has our highest number of motorcycle fatalities at around 18%. If we follow the trend, this means that we could be looking at significantly more motorcycle fatalities this August (the prior annual average for August is 8.8, and the news reports have certainly not stopped in 2010).
Following the news reports concerning the fatalities in Massachusetts, it’s clear that this year more than other, we can’t just blame the drivers of other vehicles. While indeed some crashes have been due to Right-of-Way violations and/or other factors, before we start blaming inattentive drivers we need to look in the mirror.
In 2001 through 2009, multiple vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle the motorcycle was at fault 45% of the time, 95% of the time if you are looking at single vehicle accidents for a grand total of the Rider being at fault in 69% of motorcycle fatalities.
In 2010, the majority of motorcycle accidents thus far have been due to excessive speed, or riders exceeding their abilities, especially in curves. In one recent case, one inattentive motorcyclist managed to kill himself and another rider who was unfortunate enough to be part of a group of motorcycles behind a car who was clearly not at fault. If this trend continues we are on track for a serious increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2010…
With yet another nice weekend forecast ahead of us, the MMA would like to ask all riders to ride with care – understand your skill limits and ride within the boundaries of reason.
We all share responsibility on the road for safety, but the MMA asks you to remember: Rider responsibility starts with the Rider!
For More Information, see http://www.massmotorcycle.org or contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org
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