Its that time of year.  We are ramping up our support for our local teams.  Living in Kansas, we fall in the Big 12.  A conference that many consider the most competitive basketball conference in the nation.   We love to see our teams and our states in the national spotlight.   Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia all have teams in Big 12 and each state will likely be represented in this years big dance.    Be it that its also getting closer to spring time and warmer weather, we have another final four that we need to be aware of.  One that none of us want to show up on top.   Motorcycle fatalities.   Accidents happen.  Be it car, boat, plane, or even motorcycle.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association(GHSA),  motorcyclists have a 26  times higher rate of having a fatality than passenger vehicles.   Twenty six times!   There are many motorcycles on the road in the US, however they do only compromise  3% of vehicles registered according to the GHSA’s spotlight on safety report.    That’s somewhat of a depressing number to be honest.     The  deaths as a total percent of traffic fatalities has increased from 7% in 1990& 1991 (good old grunge days ) to 14% in 2014.

There are  two factors that stand our when looking at this data.   Age and Gender.  When it comes to age, our midlife brothers and sisters showed a big increase in fatalities.   Talking specifically about those between the ages of 35 to 64.   There is a high prevalence of middle age riders that are involved in fatalities, however our first assumption is that its the younger , male rider that would be on top.  There are states where this is true.  Maryland and Texas for example reported that young males dominated the stats.

Reflecting back to your MSF course, you’ll recall that there are risk factors which will increase your fatality %:

1. lack of helmet use
2. alcohol
3. speed
4. lack of license

 

 

 

 

 

Its Tournament Time

Lets look at the contender  states within the Big 12.

1. Texas:   Texas, as of 2015 was reporting 443 motorcycle fatalities.   Of those , more than half were not wearing a helmet.
2. Oklahoma:  The Sooner state reported 89 fatalities.  70% of those were not wearing a helmet.
3. Kansas:    Purple pride and love of all that is red and blue will only keep you so safe .  During 2015, 44 fatalities were reported.  65% of those were not wearing a helmet.
4. Iowa:    Rounding out the list of 4 , Iowa landed with just under that of Kansas.   41 fatalities , however 78% of those were listed as non helmet.

There is a data point that sticks out when looking at trends across the states.   The majority of deaths included those NOT wearing a helmet.    While the  BIG 12 states may be competitive on the court, they also know how to stand out on the highways/roads.    Looking at the national list,  Florida comes in #1 with more than 600 deaths.   California coming in #2 with  462.   Texas holds its spot at #3 with 443.    

This year, when you jump on your bike and hit the road, remember the risks and stats.  Strap that helmet on and live to ride another day.

Here is a crash compilation that will keep you using your head

Ride smart  & ride safe.