NHTSA Report Reveals 2021 Bike Fatalities the Highest Since 1975

Might is Bike Security Consciousness Month, and with the height bike driving season kicking off in lots of components of the nation, the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration has launched what the Bike Security Basis referred to as a “grim report” displaying a rise in bike fatalities in 2021.

In line with the NHTSA Bike Security webpage, 5,932 motorcyclists have been killed in 2021. These deaths characterize a 7.7% enhance over the earlier yr and 14% of the whole visitors fatalities for 2021. It is usually the best variety of motorcyclists killed since no less than 1975.

Bike and scooter riders, with their smaller profiles, are at nice danger of not being seen by drivers, so the MSF is urging all roadway customers to “Count on Us, See Us,” and actively seek for riders and keep centered on the street. 

“The NHTSA information could also be from 2021, however distraction, dashing, and driving or driving whereas underneath the affect proceed to be issues at this time,” stated Rob Gladden, vice chairman of coaching operations for MSF. “Nonetheless, these are all issues we are able to change.”

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In terms of driving impaired, practically a 3rd (29%) of riders who have been killed in 2021 have been intoxicated, representing a 19% enhance over the earlier yr. One other shocking quantity is that over a 3rd (36%) of motorcyclist fatalities have been riders and not using a legitimate bike license.

Within the larger image of all traffic- and vehicle-related incidents, crashes attributable to distracted driving rose 12% from 2020 to 2021, in accordance with NHTSA, whereas speeding-related fatalities elevated by 7.9%, and alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities rose 14%. 

“One of many largest dangers to motorcyclists is drivers who don’t see the rider and switch throughout their paths, even when they aren’t driving distracted,” Gladden stated.

As a part of Bike Security Consciousness Month, the MSF has provided 5 suggestions for bike and scooter riders:

• Be seen: Put on vibrant clothes and a light-colored helmet. All the time have your headlight on, day and evening, and keep away from driving within the blind spots of vehicles and vehicles. If doable, flash your brake mild when slowing and earlier than stopping.
• However faux you’re invisible: In the event you assume others can’t see you, you’ll are likely to journey in a hyperaware mindset and study to note each element in your environment. Continually seek for altering situations utilizing the Search-Consider-Execute (SEE) technique to assess and reply to hazards earlier than you must react to an emergency.
• Gear up each journey: Put on correct driving gear from head to toe. Full-face helmets present the very best safety. Jackets, pants, gloves, and boots which are made for driving will typically be made from abrasion-resistant materials and supply further consolation and safety.
• Comply with the foundations of the street: Driving respectfully — and legally — creates a safer setting for everybody. Surprising maneuvers might startle or confuse others and trigger a crash.
• Earlier than you journey, look over your bike: Do a pre-ride verify, which incorporates wanting over your tires and wheels, checking fluids, cables, your bike’s chassis, lights and electronics, and the stands. Use the T-CLOCS inspection guidelines that can assist you.

Associated: Earlier than Assist Arrives: Being Ready within the Occasion of a Bike Accident

As a result of riders are additionally typically drivers of different sorts of autos, the MSF has provided suggestions for working different autos as properly.

“If you’re distracted — utilizing your cellphone, consuming, or engaged with different passengers — the dangers rise exponentially for riders,” Gladden stated. “If driving, please be vigilant. Actively seek for motorcyclists and look twice, particularly earlier than altering lanes or turning.” 

Whether or not you’re a driver of a four-wheeled car or a passenger in a single, maintain the following pointers in thoughts:

• Actively search for motorcyclists: Whereas many vehicles have blind-spot detection and collision-avoidance techniques, they aren’t a fail-safe. Additionally use your eyes and mirrors to verify throughout you, and look twice earlier than maneuvering into or round visitors.
• Deal with driving: Put down the telephone; don’t let pets and passengers distract you. 
• Use your turnsignals: Sign your intentions. It might assist others know what to anticipate and even alert them to get out of your manner if they’re in your blind spot.
• Give two-wheelers some area: Don’t tailgate or get too shut subsequent to riders. Give them area to maneuver and regulate to roadway situations.
• Hold it within the car: Don’t throw trash or cigarettes out the window. Ensure cargo is secured so it doesn’t fall onto the street and turn into a hazard.

For extra data, together with security booklets, suggestions, and different reference guides, in addition to particulars on MSF driving courses, go to the Bike Security Basis web site.