National Transportation Safety Board On Motorcycle Safety
Back in 2007, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued six recommendations to improve motorcycle safety and reduce the number of motorcyclists who are injured or killed the highways, and in November 2010, the NTSB added motorcycle safety to its Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements.
Their recommendations calling on states to enact universal helmet laws result from our careful study of the safety issues surrounding motorcycle safety and are consistent with the research findings from numerous studies over many years. As stated in a previous blog article; the board said 20 states require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Most states have limited helmet requirements, and three states – Iowa, Illinois and New Hampshire – have no requirement.
The NTSB also made recommendations to the Federal Highway Administration to improve motorcycle activity data (such as motorcycle registrations and motorcycle vehicle miles traveled) and to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to re-prioritize its recommendations from its National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety.
The NTSB acted after observing some disturbing trends.
From 1997 to 2008, the number of motorcycle fatalities more than doubled during a period when overall highway fatalities declined. This statistic should make motorcyclist more willing to wear safety gear, and be better riders while out on their bikes. Motorcyclists comprise 3 percent of licensed drivers, yet motorcycle fatalities accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, we encourage you to call our Toledo, Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys at toll free 800.637.8170 for a free case evaluation or to request your FREE copy of The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book.
