2 Motorcycle Fatalities already for 2018

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2018 Motorcycle Riding Season
Preliminary Statistics

There have been 2 motorcyclists killed in 2 crashes so far in 2018. The preliminary motorcycle fatality total for 2017 was 52.

2018 Rider Deaths Statistics

  • Helmet use
    • 2 riders were not wearing a helmet.
  • Single-vehicle crashes vs. Multi-vehicle crashes
    • 0 of the crashes involved only the motorcycle
    • 2of the crashes involved a motorcycle and another vehicle
  • Motorcycle vs. deer
    • N/A
  • Passengers killed
    • N/A
  • Motorcycle License Endorsement
    • 2of the operators had a valid motorcycle license endorsement or permit.
    • 0 of the operators did not have a valid motorcycle license endorsement or permit.
  • Negotiating a curve
    • N/A
  • Rider deaths by age:
    • Under 20: 0
    • 20’s: 0
    • 30’s: 1
    • 40’s: 1
    • 50’s: 0
    • 60’s: 0
    • 70’s: 0
    • 80’s: 0
  • Rural vs. urban area
    • 1 of the crashes happened in a rural area.
    • 1of the crashes happened in an urban area.

 

Other statistics:

 

  • The summer months (June, July, August) tend to be the time when there are the greater number of motorcycle fatalities.
  • The record for the most motorcycle fatalities was set in 1980, when 121 motorcyclists were killed in 112 crashes.
  • Motorcycle statistics from past years can be found in Crash Facts. The publications are posted online: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/reports-statistics/Pages/crash-facts.aspx

 

Safety messages:

 

  • Public safety officials urge motorcyclists to wear protective gear, which includes a DOT-approved helmet and brightly-colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
  • Riders should be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping their speed in check.
  • Riders should never drink and ride.
  • Riders should always ride within their skillset, use good judgment and maintain a 2-second following distance.
  • Riders should take a training course every couple years to dust off and improve their riding skills.
    • There are courses available for advanced riders, not just beginners. Training is available April through September, with some courses running into October. Riders can find a training site and register online at motorcyclesafety.org
  • Motorists can help prevent motorcycle deaths by looking twice for motorcycles before entering a roadway or changing lanes.
  • Motorists should give riders room, check blind spots, pay attention and drive at safe speeds.Motorcycles are smaller, so their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.