According to the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) the number of bike fatalities have doubled from 1997-2009. This is an alarming statistic. A few factors go into causing such grim stats:
- Motorcycles have successfully campaigned and appealed to youth. Fast, cool, often more affordable than a car and great on gas.
- As mentioned above, gas. It is a fraction of the cost to fill up a bike than a car and great distances can be traveled on a single tank. Though gas prices are currently moderate, gas was over five dollars a gallon five years ago. When such an economic burden hits, we look for ways to save. Many people's answer to that was, a motorcycle.
- In the haste to buy a bike, many were forgoing the safety lessons that come along with a motorcycle. Some even neglect to obtain the proper operators license. It is important to make safety a ritual when operating any vehicle, especially a motorcycle. One must have all of their faculties about them when riding. When something as small as a rock could cause an accident, safety and awareness are paramount.
- If you're thinking about getting a motorcycle do your homework. A motorcycle isn't an impulse decision. Visit ntsb.gov for a look at safety tips and statistics.
