Traffic Safety Facts 1996: Motorcycles

008808601997PDFTech ReportFatalitiesMotorcycle crashesMotorcycle helmetsCrash injuriesStatisticsTables (Data)GraphsUnited StatesNational Center for Statistics and Analysis (U.S.)National Center for Statistics and Analysis (U.S.)United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Highway SafetyNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-AccidentsNTL-SAFETY AND SECURITY-Human FactorsNTL-REFERENCES AND DIRECTORIES-StatisticsUS Transportation CollectionIn 1996, 2,160 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 56,000 were injured in traffic crashes in the United States - 3 percent less than the 2,227 motorcyclist fatalities and 2 percent less than the 57,000 motorcyclist injuries reported in 1995. NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 490 motorcyclists in 1996. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 279 lives could have been saved. Helmets cannot protect the rider from most types of bodily injuries. However, a recent NHTSA study showed that motorcycle helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Of the figures, Figure 1 shows previous driving records of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes, by type of vehicle, 1996; and Figure 2 shows intoxication rates for motorcycle operators killed in traffic crashes, by time of day, 1996. Of the tables, Table 1. shows motorcyclist fatalities and injuries and fatality and injury rates, 1986-1996; and Table 2. shows 1996 motorcyclist fatalities and 1995 fatality rates by state.90