It may contain information gathered from 2010 to 2019 within the United States (and Puerto Rico), but a trick new Data Visualization Tool released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) can provide valuable insight as to how every motorcyclist can be a safer rider.
Broken down by age, sex, geography, time, seasonality, environmental influences and a selection of other key factors, the tool allows users to manipulate parameters that have positive or negative affects on the likelihood of being involved in a fatal collision. Truthfully, none of the information should come as a surprise but some of the key findings are troubling indeed.
For instance:
– Based on distanced travelled, motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to be in a fatal collision than those in passenger cars.
– 30 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding without a motorcycle license.
– Riders involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other vehicle type.
– Riders killed in traffic crashes at night were three times more likely to be alcohol impaired.
– Wearing a helmet significantly increases the chances of survival from a crash.
Conclusion:
If you want the best chances of survival as a motorcyclist, get a proper motorcycle license and ride sober in rural areas while wearing a helmet, preferably in favourable conditions.
Founded in 1970, the organization was established to reduce collisions and prevent injuries sustained in vehicle accidents. 5,014 motorcyclists were killed during 2019 within the sample area of the U.S. and Puerto Rico, which accounted for 14 percent of total traffic fatalities. The infographic is based on data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and non-fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) General Estimates System (GES) and Crash Report Sampling System (CRSS).
Ride sober in rural areas? Are you sure you want to say that? So its ok to drink and ride in the city?