Posted on 07/15/2007 7:30:18 AM PDT by BraveMan
It's been a year since Jeffrey and Christine Konrath of Slinger died in a motorcycle crash in Dodge County.
Except for the fact that they weren't drinking, the Konraths could be the face of motorcycle fatalities today: older riders - he was 45, she was 48 - on a larger bike, killed on a rural road. And neither was wearing a helmet.
It's that last point that most frustrates Christine's daughter Angeline Schreiber. She has little tolerance these days for motorcyclists who forgo protective gear.
"I would never tell people not to ride bikes," said Schreiber, who is raising her 12-year-old half sister since her mother and stepfather were killed.
"I would just like people to think about safety precautions before they do it."
Jeffrey and Christine Konrath were among 93 motorcyclists who died on Wisconsin roads in 2006, up 79% from a decade ago. Over that same time, motorcycle fatalities have more than doubled nationwide.
Much of that can be attributed to the rising number of bikes on the road. In fact, in Wisconsin, the death rate dropped in 2005 to the lowest level since 1996, when factoring in the number of motorcycles registered, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The death rate nationally rose 30% during that period.
Riders and safety officials say they are troubled by the rising death toll and some of the trends they see reflected in the numbers.
"What stands out to me is the significant increase in those killed that are 45 and older," said Dennis Hughes, who as chief of safety programs for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is implementing new programs to target those riders.
Last year in Wisconsin, 43% of motorcyclists killed were 45 and older, up from around 10% in 1995 and under 2% in '91, according to the state.
"It's that baby boomer generation coming on board," said Hughes.
"Many of them had experience riding bikes. But they're going back to a bike that's a lot different from what they learned on. They're bigger, they're heavier and the maneuvering is a lot different."
Hughes' observations are reflected in the national data as well. Riders 40 and older made up nearly half of the fatalities in 2005, the latest year for which those numbers are available, according to NHTSA, up from 24% in 1995.
Among the other trends in Wisconsin and the nation:
• A growing number of fatalities involve larger bikes with more powerful engines (1,001 to 1,500 cubic centimeters).
• Alcohol consumption and failure to wear a helmet continue to be factors. In Wisconsin last year, 75% of those killed weren't wearing helmets and 47% had been drinking. Nationally in 2005, the latest year available, 35% had been drinking and 43% were not wearing a helmet.
• Of those killed, older riders were more likely than their younger counterparts to have been intoxicated and less likely - at least to age 60 - to wear a helmet. Younger riders were more apt to be speeding.
Brookfield motorcyclists Catherine and Peter Dhein, both in their 50s, aim to defy the statistics. He's taken the Harley Rider's Edge training course, and they always wear helmets, said Catherine, as they readied their Ultra Classic for an overnight trek from Milwaukee's House of Harley to western Wisconsin on Friday.
"We don't drink when we're riding, and we don't drive at night," she said.
Aside from the trends and the growing number of bikes on the road, it's difficult to explain the rising death toll. However, that could change in the coming years.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation in Irvine, Calif., said this month that it would commit $2.8 million to match federal funds set aside to conduct the first comprehensive study of motorcycle crash causes since the 1970s.
The findings could have long-term implications for riders, manufacturers and policy-makers.
"When that's done, we'll understand why this is happening and what we can do to reduce these numbers, said NHTSA spokesman Ray Tyson.
"We know, for example, that increased helmet use helps, that impaired riding is a factor," he said. "But we don't know what else, for example, things we could be doing to make motorcycles safer."
Wisconsin, in the meantime, has been expanding its rider education programs, adding classes to accommodate the growing demand and targeting some to older or returning riders.
In addition to the standard safety program available through technical schools around the state, the DOT offers a refresher course for returning riders and a new Seasoned Rider program that addresses the effects of aging - for example, declining vision and reaction time. And it is launching a pilot program in the Fox Valley that pairs new or returning riders with experienced mentors.
The state is looking to expand a program tested by a motorcycle coalition in Jefferson, Dane and Waukesha counties that lets riders lock up their bikes in secure storage crates at local bars if they are intoxicated, and federal officials are interested in rolling that out nationally.
In every program, regardless of the age or expertise of the rider, safety instructors stress two recurring themes: the importance of riding sober and proper equipment, most importantly a helmet, said Ron Thompson, who manages the motorcycle safety programs for the state.
"We tell people, if you don't wear it for yourselves, wear it for your family and friends - so you can ride again," Thompson said.
I'm just personally glad that I don't
And, as for my thrill-seeking - which I enjoy - I don't have to worry about others killing me with THEIR stupidity. I've never seen a kayaker hit by a car (except while driving or crossing the street!)
I considered dirt-biking when I was younger because, once again, 99.9% of accidents or injuries would be my fault.
And you may FEEL safer on your bike. But, statistically, you aren't
Folks often see some of the wilder stuff we do when we kayak and ALWAYS ask...isn't that dangerous?. I tell them, yes - but the odds of my getting killed DRIVING to the river are statistically about 10 times greater than the odds of dying ON the river
I regularly tell my wife that driving is the MOST dangerous activity most of us will ever engage in (Scuba diving in caves is about the only activity I know of that is more dangerous. And, although I also dive regularly, I stay in open water). Being on a motorcycle increases that danger.
I'll pass - but I sincerely hope you enjoy yourself and stay safe.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Why in the world would anybody (who isn’t trash) want to go to a biker bar?
Look at that this way...57% WERE WEARING A HELMET!
To get away from uptight people like you.
Y'know what? I didn't die, I didn't get injured, I didn't crash, nobody cut me off and nobody turned in front of me.
I think I'll keep doing it for another 4 years.
Lord protect and preserve us from busy-bodies, dogooders, safety advocates, ER ninnies, overly concerned wives, people with motorcycle anecdotes, mothers of prevention, overachievers and legislators. Amen.
That is the point, we want to decide. If I find, (and I have), that wearing a helmet detracts from my situational awareness, mutes my hearing, increases the speed with which I get fatigued, and is generally hot, uncomfortable, and a distraction which inhibits my keeping track of the vehicles around me, shouldn't I be able to choose?
If I avoid being in an "accident" I won't get hurt, plain and simple.
I was a fireman long ago and far away, and did EMS when the old Cadilacs were the norm for ambulances. It ain't pretty, but for all the 10-50s I ran then, I noticed nothing helps you live another day like not being involved in the wreck.
Since then cages have been outfitted with padded dashboards, collapsible steering columns, seat belts, airbags, antilock brakes, (some) with computerized traction maintenance and tuned suspensions, crumple zones, etc.
Virtually every gadget to make the car safer has been applied except one.
Safer drivers.
It isn't the equipment, it is the driver.
Address that rather than an inanimate object which will do nothing to prevent the accident, and you might have more time for coffee on a Saturday night.
You are in a tough line of work, and it is never easy to tell anyone their onetime little bundle of joy is gone. Rough duty, and I can see where you get your attitude (been there, just a mite).
For some, it might help, but there are deeper problems which need to be addressed and those are the Cause of the wrecks which put the people in your domain.
If NTSB standards were applied to car "accidents" like they are to aircraft crashes, the list would read:
Pilot error
Pilot error
Pilot error
Pilot error
YMMV.
You are exactly right. Distracted driving is just as bad as drunk driving. I leave my cell phone off in my car and it makes me nuts to see people driving and chatting away. You can’t do both safely.
There are buttheads everywhere no matter what you drive. I choose to be a cager because I don’t want to take the risk of driving a MC. You do and you have the right attitude of situational awareness and riding like everyone else is going to do something stupid (that’s the best way to drive too). I would say “watch your six” but in your case, watch it all.
[I drive my 1 ton pickup truck as fast as conditions allow.”]
[I’ll bet you do. My guess is you also use your “1 ton pickup truck” in an intimidating way towards other drivers when you want to pass, change lanes, pull out into traffic, etc.]
You don’t know me and you don’t know how or where I drive yet you personally attack me. You act like a liberal.
If you are looking where you don't want the wheel to go it will go there. It has to do with balance (motorcycles have to lean to turn at speeds above a walking pace). Look where you want to go, and you will do much better at going there.
(For the benefit of those who do not realize this and may be lurking.) Sorry he had a bad ride.
You got it!
Do you ride a Yamaha Road Star?
Thanks for the acknowledgement and for your participation! :)
Whoa.
Is that you, Jesus?
I've been lucky, and avoided the stupidity of the four-wheelers many times.
Do you really define ‘biker’ as trash?
Kewl. I’ve always aspired to be true scooter trash!
But I gotta admit that I stay away from 1% er joints.
2004 1700 hypercharger and Jardine pipes.
Once into second gear about as fast anything out there and also gets about 47 mpg with a passenger.
What more could I ask for?
Yeah, yeah, a saddlebag full of Bushmill’s.
Boy howdy!
The only close call I’ve ever had with my girlfriend on the back was in a parking lot going close past a car. The more I looked at that bumper, the closer I got to it...until...I moved my gaze elsewhere and missed the car. But it was close and would have been humiliating to hit a parked car for no good reason at all.
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