Number of US Motorcycle Deaths Decline in 2009
Good news for motorcycle riders. The annual fatality count for motorcyclist deaths has finally started to go down. After increasing steadily for years to hit a record 5,290 fatalities in 2008, the number of deaths dropped last year to about 4,762. This information and more can be found in a recent Governors Highway Safety Association Report, which also says that compared to the first nine months of 2008, the number of deadly crashes dropped almost 16% during the same time period for 2009.
While there is no explanation for the decline in motorcyclist deaths, the state of the economy and decline in motorcycle sales may have resulted in less inexperienced riders getting on roads. State safety officials have also been working hard to remind motorists and motorcyclists to watch out for each other.
While the figures compiled from the GHSA are projections, that’s an estimated 10% drop in rider deaths. That said, the GHSA is reporting a slight increase in the number of Illinois motorcycle deaths from 110 rider fatalities in 2008 to 113 in 2009. However, the Illinois Department of Transportation is reporting the opposite, citing a slight decrease from 135 Illinois motorcycle fatalities in 2008 to 130 deaths in 2009. In the Chicago area, which is comprised of six counties, the IDOT is reporting 48 Chicago motorcycle accident deaths in 2009. The department reported 57 rider fatalities in 2008.
Please contact our Chicago, Illinois motorcycle accident lawyers to request your free consultation. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are at greater risk of catastrophic injuries and death than other motorists anytime they are involved in a traffic crash. It is important that you are represented by a Chicago motorcycle crash law firm that knows how to obtain the maximum recovery possible from all liable parties.
Motorcycle deaths off as economy cools sales, Chicago Sun-Times, April 23, 2010
Motorcycle deaths unaccountably plunge after long rise, Washington Post, April 22, 2010
Motorcyclist Traffic Fatalities by State, 2009 Preliminary Data, GHSA (PDF)
Related Web Resources:
Motorcycle Crashes, Insurance Information Institute
Motorcycle Accidents, Nolo
