Posted on 01/15/2005 12:38:29 PM PST by martin_fierro
Motorcycle safety activists worried about baby boomer deaths
By DAVID SHARP
PORTLAND, Maine — Mike Cullinan broke up with his girlfriend and started a new life. Part of that new life included buying a big Harley-Davidson motorcycle: a 620-pound Dyna Low Rider with a 1,450-cc, fuel-injected engine.
At 38, Cullinan was undergoing just the sort of transformation that happens to many men approaching middle age: empty nest, divorce or just plain old mid-life crisis. Those riders, mostly baby boomers, are driving up the number of motorcycle registrations nationwide.
They also make up the fastest-growing segment of motorcycle deaths.
Across the country, the number of motorcycle fatalities among riders in the 40-plus category has jumped 200 percent over the past decade while deaths among riders under 30 actually dropped, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"It´s really kind of astonishing: The ages of these fatalities are so high. You would think it would be all of the young kids on those fast bikes, but it´s not," said Carl Hallman, highway safety coordinator with the Maine Department of Public Safety.
According to NHTSA´s National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the mean age of motorcyclists killed rose from 32 in 1994 to 38 in 2003. The surge in deaths among older riders helped to push motorcycle fatalities higher overall. They jumped by nearly half during the past five years, from 2,483 in 1999 to 3,661 in 2003.
In Maine, 22 people were killed on motorcycles in 2004, the highest level in a decade. The numbers are even more dramatic in Vermont and New Hampshire.
In New Hampshire, 29 died, compared to nine the year before. In Vermont, there were 11 fatal crashes, more than in the three previous years combined. In all three states, riders in their 30s and older accounted for the most crashes.
Safety experts say many older riders are either returning to the sport after a lengthy absence or have no prior experience.
"From a career standpoint, they have a little extra time and a little extra disposable income. The kids have grown up, so they´re looking for hobbies," said Rae Tyson, a NHTSA spokesman who specializes in motorcycle safety.
That fits with the experience of many instructors.
"I´ve seen a definite increase in men in their 40s and 50s getting back into motorcycling. They haven´t ridden in 20 or 30 years, so their skills are rusty. Motorcycles have changed, and they´re getting bigger motorcycles. And they´re getting on without a refresher course," said Cathy Rimm, program director for Motorcycle Rider Education of Maine.
No one knows exactly why baby boomers are dying at a faster clip on motorcycles because there hasn´t been a national study of the causes of motorcycle accidents since the late 1970s, Tyson said. Motorcycle groups are pressing for an update.
Big, powerful bikes appear to be part of the explanation. NHTSA data show that both engine displacement and fatalities among riders with the largest class of engines rose during the past decade.
Safety officials say older riders thinking about hitting the open road should recognize that their eyesight and reflexes aren´t what they once were. They also say the importance of a refresher course cannot be overstated.
"In our experienced-rider courses, we do take into account the way your body changes, that your reaction time will change and that your eyesight will change. There are changes older riders should make," said Mike Mount, spokesman for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in Irvine, Calif.
In many ways, Cullinan fits the stereotype of an older rider.
The repair shop manager from Standish hadn´t ridden for 15 years, and his life underwent a big change when he broke off a relationship.
He spent more than $18,000 for his ride, a black low rider with chrome. He freely admits bravado played a role, along with enough income to make it a reality.
"I went for the largest bike I could handle, or that I hope I can handle," he said.
Though Maine and many other states require classes or clinics for new riders to get motorcycle licenses, there are no such requirements for a license holder who decides to get on a bike for the first time in decades. No state requires continuing periodic education, said Kathy Van Kleeck of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Cullinan said his eyes were opened by the statistics. He has bought a helmet, which is not required in Maine, and he´s taking a refresher course this winter so he´ll be prepared for taking to the roads this spring.
"I´m hoping I will learn something that´ll make me safer," he said. "I´ll be riding this spring and summer with my eyes open."
60-65mph, more than fast enough to die. My official time on a 1977 XR-75 was 54mph, and that was on a dirt track.
That was a fun bike. :)
I feel your pain (no offense and not joking)).
I had a similar experience when I had my first bike, a little Suzuki 150cc, EXCEPT the car hit ME broadside. He was pulling out of a side street heading South while I was on a main street going West. I went flying over the handle bars, landed bout 30-40 feet down the street head first with my right ankle shattered (compound fracture) and a few small bones in the right foot fractured too. I still have a screw going through it. Its just under the skin on both sides and it hurts like hell if I even bump it. And If I wasn't wearing a helmet I'd have been dead. (IL had a helmet law then).
And as a couple posters have noted the guy in the car said to cops "I didn't see him". Oh and he admitted to the cops that he had an eye infection and was taking some kind of eye medicine - the JERK shouldn't even have been driving. So its no wonder he "didn't see me".
An aside, that accident didn't stop me, oh-no. As my bike was totaled (I think I paid $450.00 for it brand new), I subsequently went out an bought a HD Sportster XLCL and joined an MC 'Club' - now that was dangerous (semi kidding).
I find the "organ donor" jokes tiresome and offensive, especially when considering 70% of all motorcycle fatalities are the fault of the automobile driver blocking the motorcyclist's right of way (according to the Hurt report).
The more up to date C.O.D.E.S. studies offered for public consumption twist the facts around in their zeal to push for a national motorcycle helmet law. When you clear away the window dressing, the C.O.D.E.S. studies are merely reaffirming the same conclusions arrived by Harry Hurt back in the '70s. The vast number of motorcycle fatalities are caused by the same old tired reasons; drivers in cars violating the motorcyclist's right of way. Any rider with ten years or more riding experience will tell you this is happening at an increased rate than before.
To be sure, a significant number of inexperienced riders do not have sufficient collision avoidance skills to avoid these scenarios, collecting themselves in Oscar Grope's fender or door or quarter panel. In a panic situation, the inexperienced rider's front brakes are typically underutilized and he or she actually turns into the path of the oncoming vehicle instead of away from it because they don't fully understand their motorcycle's steering dynamics.
As in the '70s, unlicensed motorcyclists (bereft of any formal rider training) are overrepresented in the aggregate data. It is also still true that states with mandatory helmet laws have a statistically higher motorcyclist death rate than states which do not have mandatory helmet laws.
One final point: It is usually the clinically dead helmet wearer that becomes the organ donor, because the brain activity helps keep the organs fresh and viable. The brain-dead biker is usually consigned to bone and tissue donations only, as the organs are usually not viable.
You have just earned my nomination For Freeper Hooligan Safety Officer!!!
Lifetime position. No pay. Lousy hours.
But for bozo's like me who can't string a sentence, you're my hero!! :-)
RIP amongst 'em, my friend Joel Kernodle, a friend of this board.
You've got to be able to react to the most adverse situation without having your heartrate and adrenalin go nutz.
20 years ago, they said that if you were going to die on a motorcycle, (statistically speaking,) it would be in the first six months of riding. Looks like nothings changed, except that a lot of older guys are getting bikes.
I know what you mean. Doctors are risk takers like everyone else. Just goes to show you that sometimes the thrill of the ride matters more than any associated risk. I can certainly understand the attraction, but this recent human "wishbone" was the worst thing I've ever seen. There is risk in getting out of bed every morning -- people have to pick their own comfort level.
Rofl, I used to ride one of those all around the rural Ohio town I grew up in. If I recall it could go about 40mph with your head down and going downgrade. 35mph on flats. The damn thing ate rear sprockets pretty regularly.
How long do you think? Nickel says my CC is bigger than your CC. :)
Yeah. I am just trying to make the case for people staying on small and lame bikes until they have learned to drive safely and defensively (which could take a few years, imho).
I sure don't want the government getting telling people what/how to ride.
The only good democRat congressman is the one who wears a motorcycle helmet every day to work, in the shower and in the sack, to protect the big squishy soft spot on top.
What's their day job .....gun control ?
Ridin' in a warm rain is OK, if you're careful. Cold rain feels like needles on your face.
That's what I like about ridin'. I feel closer to the road, closer to the nature around me. Yeah, closer to God.
I wish they would take windshields out of cars. I don't think people would drive as fast, or feel as if they were separated from those around them.
Not true.
There have been three dramatically different engine designs from HD in the last 20 years; the Shovelhead, the Evolution and now the Twin Cam (four if you count the water-cooled V-Rod).
Braking systems have likewise gone through several periods of technological refinement. Braking performance of Harley-Davidsons compare favorably to the best Japan and the others have to offer. Two and four piston calipers are now the norm on the new models. HD has avoided (for good reason) chasing the two-finger power brake feel typical of the Japanese rocket. Front brakes that can lock the wheel with a two finger squeeze are invitations to disaster in a panic situation.
The multi-port EFI found on the latest crop of Twin Cam equipped Harleys make starting rituals a dim and distant memory. Hit the start button and ride . . .
My Ultra Classic is lighter, handles better, is more comfortable, has a better stereo, carries more, and gets better mileage than a comparable Gold Wing despite the number of times that behemoth has been reinvented over the years. The controls are more thoughtfully designed and much easier to use (apparently the Japanese haven't heard of gloves). The Ultra is a rolling work of art compared to the plastic ensconced two-wheeled Acura, yet concedes nothing in terms of creature comforts. Though a fully loaded Ultra Classic will set you back approximately $1500 - $2000 more than a similarly equipped Gold Wing, you get that and more back in resale value in the very first year.
Harley Davidson factory and dealer support is unrivaled in the industry, regardless of comparable brand. Warranty support is equal to or better than any other brand available in the U.S.
When your old friend becomes 20+ years old (like my venerable FXRS) you can still get parts and service on anything. Try doing that with your twenty-something Suzuki or Kawasaki (or Triumph or Indian or Beemer).
Don't be fooled by the magazine testers who judge technological innovation for innovation's sake as the Holy Grail of motorcycledom. The streets any highways of America are not parsed off in quarter-mile segments; the rockets are no fun to ride unless you're wringing them out to 7/10ths - 8/10ths of your ability or more. Tooling down the road at the speed limit quickly becomes excruciatingly uncomfortable and mind-numbingly boring on the rockets when your adrenaline pump isn't in overdrive. The scenery isn't enjoyable unless its a blur.
High tech high RPM valve trains become a total pain in the a$$ when the adjustment interval comes due. Got a passenger? Forfeit the rocket, unless you're passenger is a card-carrying sadist. Metric cruisers leave you wanting more after a few thousand miles; something real & enjoyable, not plastic.
Back when I wore the only helmets available, 3/4 Face with shield snaps, I was much better prepared for high speed riding in the rain. Now that I wear glasses (old age), I'm constantly searching for the next best/better over-the-glasses-goggle. I think I'll go back to faceshields w/rainX. :-)
E-glides were pretty bulky until they moved the engine oil tank under the transmission. It seemed like they took 100lbs off the bike. Dropped the center of gravity and gave the whole shabang a sport feel. '93, I think..... ??
I do have a full face helmet gathering dust on the shelf.
I wear glasses, too. Wore goggles over them for a while, 'til I found out that a sealed nose bridge kept the wind out of my eyes.
I prefer a beany skid lid. It don't do much but advertize, but I like it. I usually wear it with Harley's version of a welder's cap underneath. Not to in/stylish, but it's me.
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