BALTIMORE, MD—With the start of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding motorists about the importance of motorcycle safety. The agency is highlighting the rising fatality rate for motorcyclists, which remains a significant concern on the roads.
According to NHTSA data, 31.39 motorcyclists died per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023. This rate is nearly 28 times higher than the fatality rate for passenger car occupants in traffic crashes. In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities and a 1.3% increase from 2022.
“Far too many motorcyclists are still being killed or injured in traffic crashes across America,” said NHTSA Chief Counsel Peter Simshauser. “These tragedies are preventable, and it is essential that both riders and drivers pay close attention to their driving habits and to each other while out on the roads.” “This month, and year-round, we want everyone to remember that motorcyclists’ safety is everyone’s safety.”
While the overall number of motorcyclist injuries decreased slightly in 2023 (to 82,564), the NHTSA is emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant and taking precautions. The agency is particularly concerned about the increase in motorcyclist fatalities among young people. Fatalities for riders aged 15 to 20 saw a 44% surge in 2023, reaching 505 compared to 350 in 2022.
The NHTSA is promoting several key safety measures throughout May, including wearing appropriate safety gear, adhering to traffic laws, and remaining alcohol-free while riding. The agency stresses that wearing a DOT-compliant helmet is crucial, noting that 51% of motorcyclists killed in states without universal helmet laws were not wearing helmets in 2023, compared to only 10% in states with such laws.
The NHTSA also urges drivers to be extra cautious of motorcyclists, especially at intersections. The agency is actively working to educate the public about motorcycle safety through various initiatives and resources available on their website: https://www.NHTSA.gov/Road-Safety/Motorcycles.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
Photo via Pixabay
Do you value local journalism? Support NottinghamMD.com today.
