AMA puts motorcycle fatality statistics in context

May 18, 2001

               AMA puts motorcycle fatality statistics in context

     PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has

become aware of recent media reports about the increasing number of fatalities

among motorcyclists over age 35. While the AMA is concerned about any increase

in motorcycle-related fatalities, these reports fail to consider other relevant

statistics.

     According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

overall motorcycle-related fatalities actually declined substantially between

1990 and 1999. Although fatalities did see a slight increase over the past two

years, that followed a decade during which motorcycle-related fatalities

declined by 48% -- a far better track record than any other form of highway

transportation.

     In focusing on increased fatalities among riders over age 35, the media

reports overlooked the overall demographics of motorcyclists. Between 1990 and

1999, according to statistics provided to the AMA by NHTSA, the mean age of

fatally injured motorcyclists rose from 29.3 years to 36.5 years. During the

same period, the mean age of motorcycle owners rose from 26.9 years to 38.1

years.

     In other words, the fatality statistics simply show that when there are

more motorcyclists of a given age group on the road -- no matter what that age

group -- more accidents come out of that group.

     A spokesman for NHTSA agrees.

     "What we see here seems to track the census data -- it's a function of the

numbers," said Rae Tyson, public information officer for NHTSA. "I don't think

that anyone disagrees that we need new information. There's a crying need for

research."

     "The most important revelation in these media reports is the need for a

comprehensive nationwide study of motorcycle accident data," said Robert Rasor,

president of the American Motorcyclist Association. "The AMA has been working

closely with NHTSA on the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, and we're

anxious for the research to begin."

     Last year, the AMA -- along with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and other

industry groups -- succeeded in incorporating a motorcycle-accident study in the

National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety. As a result, NHTSA officials have said

they hope to begin such a study in the near future.

     Statistics quoted in recent media reports come from NHTSA's annual report

on highway fatalities. The most recent comprehensive federal study of motorcycle

accident data was published in 1980, and sampled accident data only in Southern

California.



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     The American Motorcyclist Association is a 270,000-member non-profit

organization. Established in 1924, the Association's purpose is to pursue,

protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of

its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at

www.AMADirectlink.com.