Traffic deaths down, motorcycle deaths up
And now for some mixed news. The number of traffic deaths nationwide last year reached their lowest levels since 1994, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced today. But the number of people killed on motorcycles continued their 10-year increase, reaching their highest number since the federal government began keeping track in 1975.
In 2007, the number of overall road fatalities dropped by 3.9 percent to 41,059 from 42,708 in 2006. The number of people killed while on a motorcycle reached 5,154 in 2007.
In Missouri, there was a 9.5 percent drop in traffic crash deaths, with 992 killed last year, compared to 1,096 in 2006. In Illinois, the drop was 0.4 percent, with 1,249 dead last year and 1,254 in 2006. The report summary is available by clicking here.
I’m patiently waiting for the STL scooter club to come in here and jump on this article claiming it could never happen to them and the roads have never been safer….
I currently live in Il. I used to live in Ks. Both of these states are much more biker friendly. The people in Mo. just don’t seem to get it. Everyone uses the roads and everyone has the same responsibility when driving. Look out, observe and enjoy the ride and or drive. Slow down and do not rush or cut off anyone. This goes for cyclists as well
I wonder if the deafening noise of some motorcycles has anything to do with the increase? It seems like it would be hard to hear approaching cars in some cases.