Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle crashes killed 4,502 people in 2010, and this is up by 55% since 2000, says the CDC. Despite popular belief, young people are not the only ones dying in motorcycle crashes. In fact, in 2010 more than half the people killed in motorcycle crashes were over the age of 40. To reduce these numbers and keep riders and passengers safe, the Center offers the following tips:

• Always wear a DOT-approved helmet.
• Never ride your motorcycle after drinking.
• Don't let friends ride impaired. 
• Wear protective clothing that provides some level of injury protection. Upper body clothing should also include bright colors or reflective materials.
• Avoid tailgating. 
• Maintain a safe speed and exercise caution when traveling over slippery surfaces or gravel.

According to the CDC, motorcycle crash-related injuries and deaths in one year totaled $12 billion in medical care costs and productivity losses. However, cost savings in states with universal motorcycle helmet laws were nearly four times greater than in states without these laws. As of May 2012, 19 states and the District of Columbia had universal helmet laws, while 28 states had partial helmet laws. For helmet laws by state, click here. For more motorcycle safety information, click here.