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Motorcycle Deaths Rise 6.6%

Overall traffic deaths down but motorbike deaths up for 10th year in a row

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 15, 2008 8:54 AM CDT

(Newser) – The number of motorcyclist deaths rose in 2007 for the 10th year in a row, the New York Times reports, jumping 6.6% even as the overall number of vehicle deaths continued to drop. Motorcycle deaths now account for one in eight traffic fatalities, totaling 5,154 last year—a toll safety experts blame on weakened helmet laws, as well as increased ridership as people seek to save on gas.

“We are the only industrialized country in the world where there is an organized effort to weaken or repeal motorcycle helmet laws,” says one expert. “That definitely is a factor in the increasing deaths.” Said a motorcycle industry spokesman: “There’s risks in everything in life, but the risks can be addressed.”

Road safety experts say some of the rise in motorcycle deaths may be down to older riders hitting the road after many years and forgetting their reflexes have slowed. (KRT Photos)

Motorcycle ownership is soaring as high gas prices lead car and truck drivers to turn to biking. (AP Photo/Piaggio)

Deaths in motorcycle accidents rose 6% in 2007 to the highest level since the government started tracking the numbers in 1975. (Getty Images)

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Motorcycle Deaths Rise 6.6%

Overall traffic deaths down but motorbike deaths up for 10th year in a row

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NTSB Bid to Ban All Phone Use in Cars Is 'Overkill'

Why can't drivers use hand-free sets?

Good Samaritans Heave Car Off Hurt Man

Motorcyclist in critical condition

Traffic Deaths Hit 61-Year Low

2010 least deadly year on American roads since 1949

Saudi Prince: Maybe We Should Let Women Drive

...that way, we can send foreigners home, says King Abdullah's nephew

4-Year-Old Driver Runs Over, Kills Newborn

Mother hospitalized near Forth Worth

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Motorcycle Deaths Rise 6.6%

Overall traffic deaths down but motorbike deaths up for 10th year in a row

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

highway safety • accident • driving • motorcycle crash • road safety • traffic accident • drivers • traffic fatalities

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

NTSB Bid to Ban All Phone Use in Cars Is 'Overkill'

Why can't drivers use hand-free sets?

Good Samaritans Heave Car Off Hurt Man

Motorcyclist in critical condition

Traffic Deaths Hit 61-Year Low

2010 least deadly year on American roads since 1949

Saudi Prince: Maybe We Should Let Women Drive

...that way, we can send foreigners home, says King Abdullah's nephew

4-Year-Old Driver Runs Over, Kills Newborn

Mother hospitalized near Forth Worth

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Newser By Users

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