August 2008

The federal government has vowed to reduce escalating motorcycle death rates, announces the Department of Transportation (DOT). Motorcycle fatalities have doubled in the past 10 years, prompting the DOT to develop nationwide safety initiatives.

The motorcycle safety program will encompass three components:

• Training: The DOT will create national competency standards for entry-level motorcycle riders.
• Enforcement: The DOT will develop a training program to educate police officers on the measures they can take to reduce motorcycle accidents.
• Education: Public service announcements will spotlight the importance of safety gear and a “Share the Road” campaign will remind drivers to be aware of motorcyclists on the road.

Since 1997, the number of motorcyclists ages 50 and older who die in accidents has increased from 14 percent to 24 percent. In 2005, the motorcycle fatality rate across all age groups was 73 per 100,000 registered motorcycles compared with 13.7 per 100,000 registered passenger vehicles.