Motorcycles and Motorcycle Helmets

1. Motorcycles and Motorcycle Helmets

2. Common Traffic Issues • Intoxicated Driving • Over The Limit, Under Arrest • Safety Belts • Click It or Ticket Mobilization • Child Safety Restraints • Running Red Lights • Distracted Driving

3. National Alarming Facts • In 2011, 4,612 motorcyclists were killed nationwide, an increase (+2.1%) from 2010, in which 4,518 motorcyclists were killed. • In 2011, approximately 81,000 motorcyclists were injured in highway crashes in the United States.

4. National Alarming Facts • Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 39 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash. • An estimated 157,000 motorcyclists have died in traffic crashes since the enactment of the Highway Safety and National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966.

5. National Alarming Facts • In 2010, 35% of motorcyclist fatalities were speeding and more than half did NOT involve another vehicle. • In 2010, 29% of motorcyclist fatalities had a BAC over .08.

6. National Alarming Facts • The number of DOT compliant motorcycle helmets worn by motorcyclists dropped to 54% in 2010 from 67% in 2009. • DOT compliant helmet use decreased by 10% in states with a helmet law and 15% in states without a helmet law.

7. Michigan’s Alarming Facts • In the serious motorcycle crashes involving two vehicles, and where the other operator was at fault, 70% of the time the person turned left in front of the motorcycle or drove into the path of the motorcycle.

8. Motorcycles in MichiganSome people think that a motorcycle can be as safe as any other vehicle on the road and it is, right up to the point of impact. • Motorcycles continue the trend of increasing registrations and endorsements through 2012. • Motorcycle related crashes and fatalities (17,206 & 601 respectively from 2008-2012)

9. Continued Popularity • Almost 260,000 registrations • Over 544,000 endorsements • Over 15,000 riders trained per year • Popularity rising in two generations from internet/TV/movies (Orange County Choppers, Road Hogs etc) • Economics • Motorcycles sales dropped significantly in 2009 and 2010 due to the recession but a large number continue to be registered and rode each year

10. Where are the fatalities in 2012? Secondary Roads – 52% Freeways – 48% Intersections – 41% County: • Wayne 16.3% • Kent 6.4% • Macomb 7.8% • Oakland 5.4% • Genesee 4.7% • Allegan 3.9% • Kalamazoo 3.9% • 65% of all fatal motorcycle crashes occur in 7 counties

11. 2008 Fatal Crashes

12. 2009 Fatal Crashes

13. 2010 Fatal Crashes

14. 2011 Fatal Crashes

15. 2012 Fatal Crashes

16. 2012 Fatal Crashes

17. Demographics • Average age of all motorcyclists killed is 42.1 years old • Average age of all single vehicle crashes is 45.1 years old • 88% male

18. The Largest Increase

19. Still a Problem

20. ???

21. Crash = Injury or Death The number of motorcycle related fatalities is slightly less than what would be expected based upon the growth of registrations

22. Riding Season 61% of crashes were in a well lit environment 80% of crashes were in clear weather

23. 2012Causes 50.5% = multi-vehicle crashes 49.5% = single vehicle (207) 11.8% = of SV crashes were HBD crashes SV crash citations: • 9.5% (187) cited for reckless/negligent driving • 23.6% (462) cited for speed too fast • 40.8% (799) no citations noted on the UD-10 • *There can be multiple citations for a single crash

24. Multiple Vehicles In Depth • 55.8% were multi-vehicle • 20.5% (118) were HBD crashes • Compare to 51% of all crashes involve multi-vehicle

25. Hazardous actions for the Motorcyclist in Multi-Vehicle Crash in 2012

26. Solutions • Prevent the crash from happening • Remind riders of critical skills • BRC and ERC Training • Proper Protective Gear all the time • Reduce impaired riding

27. Michigan’s Helmet Law • Available at http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1593_47093_25802-16062--,00.html

30. Local Riding Events • We need to embed our riding message at: • HOG Rallies • Muskegon Bike Time • Blessing of the Bikes • Bike Expos • Training locations • Other locations where motorcyclists gather

31. Ride Safe to Ride Again Comes to Bike Time

32. What You Can Do If you ride a motorcycle. . . • Get a motorcycle endorsement. • It’s the law. • It will require you to have some rudimentary experience – but it is never enough. • Know Your motorcycle and how to use it. • Get formal training

33. What You Can Do If you ride a motorcycle. . . • Assume other drivers cannot see you. • Be Visible • Dress for Safety • This includes eye protection • Stay Alert • Don’t Drink and Drive

34. What You Can Do If you ride a motorcycle. . . • Always wear your helmet • It’s the Law • Helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries. • Make sure the Helmet is DOT (Department of Transportation) approved. Look for the DOT sticker on the back of the helmet.

35. What You Can Do If you ride a motorcycle. . . • Know Your helmets: Helmet Interior Unsafe Helmet Safe Helmet

36. What You Can Do As a driver: • Stay alert – motorcyclists are difficult to see at times. • Be especially watchful at intersections and when turning left. • Use your turn signal and check your blind spot before changing lanes or turning. • Remember that motorcycle riders deserve the same privileges as other roadway users.

37. What You Can Do For More Information on Safety, Training, and License Requirements contact: • MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Program (517) 241-6850 www.michigan.gov/sos