New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Fatality Rates Drop in 2009
After 11 years of rising motorcycle accident fatality rates in New Jersey, there is some good news from the Governors’ Highway Safety Association. There is expected to be a substantial drop in motorcycle crash fatality rates for 2009 in New Jersey and nationwide.
The data only includes figures for the first nine months of 2009, but the agency says that the rates are low enough to expect that when final totals are tabulated, the overall motorcycle crash fatality rate for 2009 will be more than 10% lower. 2009, therefore, marks the first year in more than 11 that these rates have actually dropped.New Jersey has been very successful in controlling its motorcycle accident fatality rates. In 2009, there were 59 fatalities, compared to 72 in 2008. That was a drop of 13 fatalities since the previous year.
The GHSA is putting out a number of theories for this decline. Unfortunately, it seems like the financial recession which has also impacted auto accident fatalities, has contributed to a drop in motorcycle fatality rates too. Fewer motorcycles were sold in 2009, and fewer people were inclined towards recreational riding. Besides, there were also fewer numbers of middle-aged motorcyclists in 2009, and this group is at a high risk for accidents and fatalities.
Besides, several states have responded positively to the increasing rate of motorcycle crash fatalities over the past few years. Many states have required mandatory motorcycle safety training programs before a person begins riding a motorcycle, and helmet laws have been strengthened. States have invested in enhanced safety programs which include raising awareness among motorists about motorcyclist safety. This has led to fewer collisions, and hence, fewer fatalities.
As a New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer, I will be interested in seeing if these declining rates stay low, even after the recession ends