Motorcycles are a popular form of transportation in the U.S. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were 7 million motorcycles registered in the U.S. in 2006. That’s a 75 percent increase from 1997, when 4 million were registered. In 2006 alone, more than 1.1 million motorcycles were sold in the U.S.

One important factor in the rising popularity of motorcycles is the record-high cost of fuel. As gasoline approaches $4.00/gallon, many consumers are looking for ways to ease the cash-crunch. While many cars get around 20 miles to a gallon of gas, some motorcycles get 50 miles or more per gallon. The Motorcycle Industry Council says another factor in the attraction to motorcycles is the rise in the number of baby boomers who gave up riding to raise families or are looking for a new hobby.

Crash Facts

As the number of motorcycles on U.S. highways increases, so does the rate of accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports there were about 103,000 accidents involving motorcycles in 2007 (compared to 88,000 injury accidents in 2006, an increase of 17 percent).

Research shows motorcyclists are nearly 60 percent more likely than motor vehicle passengers to die in an accident. In 2007, 5,154 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents, six percent more than in 2006 (4,837 deaths). According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speeding and driver error are the two biggest factors in fatal motorcycle crashes.

Reducing Accident Risk

Daniel Dent, M.D., Trauma Surgeon with UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, says most life-threatening or fatal motorcycle accidents involve head or neck injuries. Therefore, despite the repeal of helmet laws in many states, all motorcycle drivers and riders should wear a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports motorcyclists who don’t wear a helmet are 40 percent more likely to have a fatal head injury and 15 percent more likely to have a nonfatal injury than someone wearing a helmet.

Experts say motorcycles are inherently more risky than motor vehicles because bikes are less stable than cars, are less visible to other vehicles and provide far less injury protection than an enclosed vehicle. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has several recommendations for safe riding: Take a motorcycle safety course. It’s like driver’s ed for motorcycles and helps riders understand the operating differences between a motorcycle and a car. The course also teaches basic safety skills.

Practice riding. New riders should first practice riding on less congested roads to gain a firm understanding of how the bike operates and responds on different terrains and road conditions.

Be visible. Motorcycles are small and often can’t be seen by drivers. Sometimes the bike falls into a mirror’s blind spot. Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet. Turn on the headlight, even during the day.

Keep your distance. Motorcyclists and car drivers often misjudge the distance between vehicles. The small size of a motorcycle may make it appear to be further away than it is. Motorcyclists may need a little more time to stop, especially on slippery pavements.

Ride safe. Don’t weave in and out of traffic. And just like driving a car, follow the rules of the road. Don’t drink, use drugs, or ride when you’re tired or distracted.

For information on motorcycle injuries and safety:

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration