There is enough blame to go around concerning fatalities. As a now ex-MC rider, I can attest to the fact that I quit riding because of automobile operators (ran off the road twice by oncoming traffic). A good friend of mine is dead because of a cage operator, hit head on. Yet, I also acknowledge that I deserve to be dead about 3X’s because of my own stupidity, but for the grace of God I’m here to inject myself into a pretty heated debate.
As to the original argument, the noise of bikes on the road and the “safety factor”, I consider it a subjective argument. I will say I consider it a nuisance and at times, a startling distraction, especially when the rider decides it’s time to crack the throttle wide open when right next to me in traffic.
But I also don’t see the need for any more laws on the matter either. I don’t know that there is any quantitative/qualitative data to prove the issue either way.
All I can say is “watch out for the other guy”. Vehicle operators of all types should always have their heads on a swivel, and as an ex MC rider, I always look out for them (MC riders). But I also shake my head in amazement at the brazen and obnoxious riders as well. Been there.
http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/index.php?q=2009_Motorcycle_Deaths_California
Motorcycle fatalities continued to spiral upward from 518 in 2007 to 560 in 2008.** Motorcycle fatalities have increased 10 consecutive years and are at their highest level since 1990.
Total motorcycle registrations increased 7% from 772,524 in 2007 to 824,244 in 2008. (DMV)
In 2008, the under age 20 age group had the largest increase in motorcycle fatalities (up 57% from 13 in 2007 to 30 in 2008 with the second highest increase seen in the over age 59 age group which increased 44% percent from 32 in 2007 to 57 in 2008.**
In 2008, 37% of motorcycle operators killed were not properly licensed – up from 36% in 2007.**
Between 2002-08, 60% of motorcycle operators killed under age 25 were unlicensed.**
Of the 560 motorcyclists killed, at least 12% (68) were un-helmeted. Since helmets are about 39% effective in preventing fatalities, NHTSA estimates that 26 of the 68 un-helmeted motorcyclists killed would have survived had they worn a helmet.**
In 2008, 70% of motorcycle operators killed were at fault and 58% of motorcycle operators injured were at fault.*
The percent of motorcycle operators killed with a BAC =.08+ increased from 24% in 2007 to 26% in 2008.**
Super sport motorcycles, defined as consumer versions of the motorcycles used by factory racing teams, account for 14% of the registered motorcycles in California, yet the 211 super sport drivers and passengers killed in 2008 accounted for 38% of the 560 motorcyclists killed in California.**
Between 2002-08, 44% of Super Sport motorcycles that were fatally crashed were less than a year old, compared to 37% Other Sport, 28% Cruiser, and, 34% Touring motorcycles.**
Between 2002-08, 44% of Super Sport riders killed were not properly licensed, compared to 32% Other Sport, 24% Cruisers and 19% Touring motorcycles.**
Between 2002-08, 86% of Super Sport motorcycle fatal crashes were “speed related”, compared to 57% Other Sport, 40% Cruisers, and 39% Touring motorcycles.**
Between 2002-08, 66% of Super Sport motorcycle operators killed were between age 21-34.**
*Data Source – Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS)
**Data Source – Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
http://www.ots.ca.gov/OTS_and_Traffic_Safety/Report_Card.asp
http://trafficsafety.org/safety/sharing/motorcycle/motor-facts/motor-injuries-fatalities
“Yet, I also acknowledge that I deserve to be dead about 3X’s because of my own stupidity,”
Nothing like looking at open space when a mountain curve becomes a hard left turn with about 3 feet of gravel between pavement and the edge. Somehow my senses transitioned from looking ahead to looking down as I fought for the optimum curve, lean and braking pressure. That was 40 years ago but I can still remember the texture of the asphalt.