Motorcycle deaths in U.S.

Here's a large report with lots of statistics from Gannett News Service:

• In 1996, 5.6 motorcyclists were killed for every 10,000 registered motorcycles on the road. By 2006, the rate had risen to 7.3.
• About 42 percent of motorcycle riders killed in accidents between 2002 and 2006 were not wearing helmets.
• In raw numbers, the annual death toll in motorcycle crashes rose from 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 of 2006.

It really burns me up that this discussion focuses almost exclusively on helmets -- wearing them vs. not wearing them -- and NOT on the increasing popularity of motorcycle riding, with the associated increase in new riders (of all ages).

Someone who has been riding for less than six months is more likely to be involved in an accident than someone who has been riding (regularly) for six years. But those kinds of numbers are rarely even published, let alone discussed.

Let's look at that list again:

• Tell us HOW MANY NEW MOTORCYCLES were sold in 1996 vs. 2006, and the percent change: In 1996, 5.6 motorcyclists were killed for every 10,000 registered motorcycles on the road. By 2006, the rate had risen to 7.3.
• Why not talk about how 58 percent of motorcycle riders killed in accidents between 2002 and 2006 WERE wearing helmets? Their helmets did not save them. About 42 percent of motorcycle riders killed in accidents between 2002 and 2006 were not wearing helmets.
• Again, you need to talk about the INCREASED NUMBER OF RIDERS: In raw numbers, the annual death toll in motorcycle crashes rose from 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 of 2006.

Safety is hugely important on motorcycles and scooters, but a helmet doesn't make you SAFER (I always wear a helmet, by the way) -- you are safer if you ride safely. You are safer if you ride on a road with no other vehicles on it. You're safer if you don't take corners too fast.

Heck, you're safer if you ride with your eyes open, not closed!