Motorcycle death rates doubled; supersport bikes the most dangerous

Riding motorcycles is commonly considered a dangerous recreational pursuit. Just how risky? Motorcyclist fatalities have more than doubled in 10 years and reached 4,810 in 2006, accounting for 11 percent of total highway fatalities, according to recent analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). In addition, 88,000 riders were injured last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Motorcycle deaths are on the rise, while automotive fatalities are decreasing accoding to reports from IIHS, NHTSA, and other safety agencies. The trends do reflect an increasing number of younger motorcyclists piloting performance bikes, as well as continued improvement in car safety. However, averaged across all registered motorcycles for 2005, 99.9 percent of riders did not meet an untimely demise.

What motorcycles show the greatest risks?
Supersport bike riders have death rates that are four times greater than average for all motorcycle types, says the IIHS. These so-called rockets are essentially racing bikes modified for highway use. Engineered for speed, they typically have more horsepower per pound than other bikes. A 2006 model Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, for example, produces 111 horsepower and weighs 404 pounds. In contrast, the 2006 model Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide, a touring motorcycle, produces 65 horsepower and weighs 788 pounds.

"Supersport motorcycles are indeed nimble and quick, but they also can be deadly," says Anne McCartt, Institute senior vice president for research. "These bikes made up less than 10 percent of registered motorcycles in 2005 but accounted for over 25 percent of rider deaths."

The fatality rates for cruiser and "standard" riders rank the lowest, at 5.7 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles. Touring bikes, such as the Harley example, averaged 6.5 deaths, with sport bikes totaling 10.7 deaths per 10,000.

Why the increased fatalities?
There are a growing number of motorcycles on the road, with total registrations climbing 51 percent between 2000 and 2005. While cruisers and standard motorcycles made up the bulk of registrations, supersport bikes see registrations up 83 percent in 2005 compared with 2000. In 2005 supersport bikes accounted for 9 percent of registrations, cruisers made up 47 percent, and standards 4 percent.

"Supersport motorcycles have such elevated crash death rates and insurance losses because many people ride them as if they were on a racetrack," McCartt says. "Data show that speed is a big factor in their crashes."

Speeding and driver error were bigger factors in fatal crashes of supersport, sport, and unclad sport bikes compared with other motorcycle classes. In contrast, speed was cited in 57 percent of supersport riders' fatal crashes in 2005, compared to 27 percent of fatal crashes among riders on cruisers and standards and 22 percent on touring motorcycles.

Alcohol was a factor in the fatal crashes of 19 percent of supersport riders and 23 percent of sport and unclad sport riders. Alcohol impairment was an even bigger factor in the fatal crashes of cruisers and standard bikes and touring motorcycles, particularly among riders 30-49 years old.

"With more motorcyclists on the road and fewer of them wearing helmets, the result is bound to be an increase in deaths and injuries," says McCartt. "Motorcycles are inherently risky, and when crashes occur head injury is a leading cause of death. The most effective way we know to reduce head injury risk is to wear helmets that meet federal safety standards. Wearing a helmet would have saved at least 700 motorcyclists' lives in 2005, an Institute analysis shows."

Certain bike types may invite dangerous behavior, but ultimately it is the driver that takes the risks.  Whatever is your vehicle of choice, obey the law and drive responsibly for all our sakes.

—Jeff Bartlett

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Comments

[David Earl-Graef]

Jeff,

You may be the exception to the rule however, there is little doubt that a graduated licensing system would save lives. We Americans think we know it all and have little to learn from other countries. The German system is so much better and as a result biking there is a dream. It is not just preventing a young rider from getting a machine he cannot handle although this is important. Again just look at the stats. It goes beyond that. Because it is difficult to "earn the right" to operate a motorcycle you get a lot more respect from other motorists. Trust me I have been there. The difference between biking here and there is night and day. Auto drivers look out for you, yield to you and most of all respect you. There is simply no comparison.

[Joseph H.]

personally, i agree with the general consensus that a graduated license system would ultimately save lives, that being said, i'm the new owner of a suzuki bandit (600cc) and being able to afford that on a $18,000/year salary is pretty difficult, and like alot of the other people that posted up, i'm definitely an adrenaline junky, the little i've ridden the bike has already opened my eyes, its faster than my ~250hp 240sx by a fairly large margin, my biggest influence is my mechanic/friend who rides both a YZF-R1 and GSXR-1300, although we DO go to the drag strip for test and tune sessions, i can defintely see how young riders can EASILY abuse the power on the street, especially since MOST riders around my town dont bother with a jacket/helmet...

That being said, i'm a 23 year old rider with 75hp between my legs, i need to open my eyes and be VERY careful...

I personally know i talk too much on my cell-phone in my car, and now that i'm riding, i'm REALLY worried about others doing the same, to be honest, i didnt even really think about it till now

[Bob (in Canada)]

A couple of comments re motorcycles. I've ridden one on and off for over 40 years. They are only as safe as how you learned to drive and (obviously) how you drive. They get a bad rap because of 18 year olds with little to no experience riding like maniacs; an obvious recipe for disaster; how many mature Harley and Gold Wing drivers do you hear about getting into an accident? I had no accidents as I always drove as if every other vehicle on the road was out to get me!! That saved my life many times (To self: "This guys gone to pull out in front of me; I better brake". And, sure enought he did). Other than the crotch rockets, the most unsafe vehicle today has to be the snowmobile (or murdermobile). They're also a recipe for disaster no matter who's driving. Bet their mortality rate (at least in Canada) is higher per capita than motorcycles and yet bikes get the bad rate because of a very low percent of imbeciles.

[Rose]

What're people's thought's about putting a small child on a bike, one that has to be strapped onto the bike. My brother-in-law has been taking his 2 1/2 year old son out on his bike strapped into the back passenger seat (with helmet and jacket). My worry is if, God forbid, the bike tips over or he's in an accident he won't be thrown away from the bike but will still be still attached to the thing. My brother-in-law says his son likes it but his son is 2 1/2 years old and also likes to smack himself in the head and think that's fun. What is a good age to start? I don't think he's old enough to understand what's going on. I remember riding on the back of my uncle's bike when I was about 8 or 9 when I was able to put my arms around his waist and he gave "rules" of what to do.

[Doug]

There is no such thing as a little bike wreck/accident.

Just falling over the bike is usually damaged beyond ridablility and the gas runs out sometimes when that happens.

I wouldn't own a bike in a large city. That's why I sold my first bike when I was 20. Plus there were virtually no bikes up north so it was even more dangerous.

I took the MC training course at age 58 and then bought an old bike to fix/learn on. I am now on my second older bigger bike (1981)that I fixed and now enjoy doing some distance runs on.

Now that we live in FL and can use it year round it is worth having a bike even tho my wife can't/wouldn't anyhow ride with me I have an old mustang convertible for that purpose. Mostly I've met nice people riding and have a couple guys who I go with on day trips. Maybe next year a cross country trip?

You can't force people to be "safe". We're probably better off that so many of the insane riders are being culled from the flock. They would just soupup a light bike that would be even more unsafe than what is presently available.

I value my brain so wear a helmet BUT there is no denying the high probability of death paralysis when riding exposed to traffic and road debris. Each of us accepts a level of risk which we are comfortable with for a happy life.

I'm glad we all don't have the same interests. That would make us a bunch of boring people.

[Henry]

I am very disappointed in this article. One thing Jeff Bartlett forgot to mention (and is part of the IIHS and NHTSA data) is the impact of being properly endorsed and having training. Being endorsed (which means meeting your states min. skills requirements) drastically reduces the risk of being in accident. Instead, Jeff and his editors have written a biased piece against motorcycles in general with an emphasis on one segment they clearly disapprove of. For this, and the lack of review of Motorcycle helments, I am considering not subscribing to CU anymore.

[Jeff Bartlett - Consumer Reports]

Henry - Sorry to disappoint. In this story, we reported on a comprehensive study by IIHS. The findings were quite interesting, I thought, exposing the statistical probability of injuries with certain bike types and the likelihood that it is influenced by the drivers drawn to them and their inherent abilities.

In the story intro: "However, averaged across all registered motorcycles for 2005, 99.9 percent of riders did not meet an untimely demise."

Motorcycles are safe - so long as there is no driver. It is the driver that introduces the risks, and clearly training, experience, and maturity are keys to safe riding. Plus, quality safety gear.

We are looking closely at motorcycles and motor scooters now and will continue to report on them in the future.
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/motorcycles_scooters/index.html

There is much appeal to these two-wheeled machines, but underlining all our reporting will remain a grave concern for rider safety.

We do not have imminent plans for testing motorcycle helmets, but hope you continue to stick with us. We will have much more to say on motorcycles in the not-too-distant future.

[David Earl-Graef]

Just one last thought regarding a graduated system like in Germany for all the speed addicts. With the German system it takes several years to graduate to a serious bike. At any stage do something stupid and you risk never getting the bike you want. In the end when you finally have your Ducati as I do or whatever your dream bike is, you think twice before giving it up for lack of good judgement. As I said the difference between here and there is not comparable to the extent when I first came back to the states I gave up riding for awhile because of the problems encountered by bad auto drivers with bad attitude to bikers. After seeing what I have seen it is somewhat understandable but needs to change. By the way if an auto driver in Germany hits a biker and it is their fault they run the serious risk of loosing their license FOR LIFE. Talk about getting their attention off the cell phone and respect for you on the road! The best bikers I have have ever had the pleasure to ride with were my German buddies. I can truly say I felt much safer on the autobahn that I do here in almost any situation where cars are around me with inattentive drivers with attitude. In my humble opinion it borders on criminal negligence that the the government does not adopt a system similar. I know for those of you who are impatient to get your dream bike it seems not reasonable however when you finally do and could experience the difference it would make, you would never want to go back to the system we have now.

[OP]

ROAD HOMICIDE INVESTIGATORS WORDS, not mine: "9 out of 10 motorcycle accidents are fault of other drivers, not riders." He suggested me to to have 360 degrees vision and not buying a bike.

[David Earl-Graef]

Response to OP

The statistic reported to you by the Road Homicide Investigator may be true in his or her own experience. However the number may be subject to selection bias and artificially high as those accidents he or she would likely investigate would be more likely the result of error or intention on the part of the auto driver.ie Who would ask a Road Homocide investigator to investigate an accident where only the cyclist was involved? The HURT study would suggest that up to perhaps 25% are single vehicle accidents a portion of which would be the error of the motorcycle operator. The vast majority of those are young inexperienced riders.

[Ben]

I swear to you guys, I just had a wreck on my bike. I was going 35 in a 40. As I approached an intersection, a guy in a Chevy Avalanche suddenly whipped from the left lane into mine. I laid my bike down as I braked to avoid hitting him. I high-sided, and the bike as it did so slapped me to the pavement. I threw my hands out (as one does) and it broke my right arm. My face hit the pavement. I was wearing a full-face helmet. The impact tore the face shield off. I skidded to a stop. Folks around the bike stopped and offered help. The guy who pulled in front of me stopped and helped. Know what? Someone pulled in front of him and he swerved to miss. In the end, I ended up with a few scrapes and a broken arm. No helmet and I would have died. Much faster and I would have died anyway from a broken neck. And it wasn't my fault. Moral of the story for me, is, I'm getting rid of the bike. And I've ridden for years.

[Jerry]

I live in the country and the road in front of my property is used a lot by bikers of all kinds.
The fat,unshaven,long-haired,tatooed goons on the Harleys love the no-muffler sound.
The scrawny,pimple-faced children on the rice burners love the whining the bike makes which is a lot like the whining they probably make most of time.
All I can say is if any one of them crash nearby I hope they don't expect me to call for help.

[Ike]

Most of motorcycle crash are due to drivers in automobile that pay no attention to the road. I have been riding a bike for awhile and one thing that I never do is trust a car, and always have a exit plan. They need to educate new and older driver about motorcycle as we do the same with semi turcks. I do think the goverment need to put law in that fine drivers for reading the paper, talking on there phone, and my favorite putting make up on while driving 90 mph down the highway as common sense is not working.

[Gregs Lady]

My fiancee was just killed on his street bike 8.30.08 he was only 24 he'd been ridding street bikes/dirt bikes for the past 16 years. He was an amazing rider and now something happened with a lifted truck on the I-15 and no one knows exactly who owned it or the license plate. Its not always a rider who causes accidents people dont pay attention to the one head light they see in their mirrors and just switch lanes. RIP GREGORY BRIAN SCOTT i'll love you always and forever and we'll always be married at the heart.

[lisa]

Has anyone ever looked at the difference between insurance premiums for a young male compared to female for simple car insurance? Young males happen to be statistically the most accident prone of any group of drivers. Most supersports are ridden by young males. Coincidence? I have plenty of friends (a few of them female) that ride sports bikes and i personally ride a zzr250. I don't know how it works in US but here in queensland a rider has to have a 250 license for a year before they can move onto a bigger bike. I've been riding dirtbikes since I was 11 and I plan to get a 1000 fireblade and i don't feel any more worried about that then riding my little 250. All of the crashes I have been in have been with 4WD's cutting me off because they haven't checked their blind spot and/or haven't indicated and/or are just bastards.
The biggest problem on our roads is not motorbikes, it's 40 yo women in SUV's that have no idea how to drive and don't give a crap about anything on the road but themselves. Other drivers need to learn about motorcycle safety and keeping motorbikes in sight. If everyone was made to learn to ride a motorbike before they were allowed to ride the average skill of drivers would skyrocket. Ban SUV's and I guarantee the road toll will drop.

[Spokes]

I have news for all of you... No one of you is going to live forever and if you happen to live to a nice ripe old age, you are not going to enjoy how you die. Enjoy your life even if that includes riding a motorcycle, crotch rocket, or a bicycle. I don't appreciate anyone looking out for my safety. Thanks... Spokes.

[cbr1000rr]

i am 15 and a half i have a cbr1000 bikes dont kill people people kill people

[steveinsandiego]

i don't pay much attention to such statistics. i get the idea that people who concentrate on tracking and publishing such information are secretly envious of those of us who ride, and somehow want to discourage us from having our fun.

jmho fwiw ;-)

(i read the article only because the link appeared on a motorcycle forum in which i participate.)

[Jon Young]

Does this mean that smaller 50cc bikes are much more safe? Or are there just so few of them on the roads that they account for a fairly insignificant percentage of rider deaths.

[Steve Worrall]

A 15 and a half year old with a Honda CBR1000 (fireblade I presume)?!! 160 horsepower and a top speed of nearly 180mph! My step son is actually a little older than that and I wouldn't dream of letting him own a bike of that power until hes got a few years experience under his belt.
I am a rider with 16 years of on road experience (i'm 33). I love bikes and currently have four. I have ridden over 50 bikes from 125's all the way to 1300's and the new Yamaha R1. Actually the most serious accidents (2) both happened in my early twenties when I started riding larger machines, even though they were only smallish bikes (400cc and a 550cc).
I agree with alot of the comments on this forum, Experience and self control are far more important to rider safety than the power of your bike. My daily Commuter is a 150bhp Kawasaki zx9r Ninja, which I ride fast, when conditions allow and only when conditions allow. The problem with young and in-experienced riders is the mix of Testosterone and lack of self preservation can be disasterous, I lost a few friends when I was younger but anyone I still know whos been riding a while hasn't had an accident for years (touch wood).
I'm English but now live in France where there is a 100bhp limit on French registered machines, will this save lives?
Possibly one or two, but you can still kill yourself on a 4bhp scooter.
I can not believe its not the law in America to wear a helmet!! I think if it were, and it was strongly enforced you would save hundreds of fellow bikers lives, sure is a nice feeling to ride without one, but like the guy who got T-boned by the woman on the cell phone said his helmet and gear probably saved his life, accidents do happen, it wasnt him at fault so its a factor you can't take into account.

Anyway ride safe and enjoy!

[Brian]

@ Steve Worrall

I completely agree RE: helmets, but I couldn't help notice the 100hp limit on motorcycles in France. Is that for all riders? 16 years of experience, and they wouldn't let you ride an R1 or even an R6?