Motorcycle fatalities down, but many happen in summer months

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http://www.bakersfield.com/news/local/x1008889973/Motorcycle-fatalities-down-but-many-happen-in-summer-monthsMotorcycle fatalities down, but many happen in summer months BY JASON KOTOWSKI, Californian staff writer jkotowski@bakersfield.com | Saturday, May 29 2010 12:00 PM Last Updated Saturday, May 29 2010 12:00 PM
The following are four key measures that will reduce motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities:
* Increase helmet use -- Helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle operators and 41 percent effective for passengers.
* Reduce alcohol impairment -- In 2008, 30 percent of fatally injured motorcycle riders had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, and an additional 7 percent had lower levels of alcohol in their system.
* Reduce speeding -- In 2008, 35 percent of motorcycle riders in fatal crashes were speeding.
* Provide motorcycle safety training -- All beginning riders should be trained in basic motorcycle operating skills and safe riding practices.
Source: Governors Highway Safety Association Images: Felix Adamo / The Californian Brent Needham, of Valley Cycle and Motorsports, with one of the newest models from Victory, the Crosscountry. Behind is the Victory Hammer Felix Adamo / The Californian California file photograph of Javier and Nancy Macedo at a local Bakersfield motorcycle rally the Thunder Run in 2009. Felix Adamo / The Californian Framed by palm trees, an air ambulance makes its approach to San Joaquin Community Hospital. Fatal motorcycle crashes have dropped nationwide for the first time since 1997 thanks in part to fewer beginning riders and increased attention to motorcycle safety programs, according to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
In California, there were 454 motorcycle fatalities from January through September 2008 compared to 321 fatalities for the same time period of 2009, the report said. That's a reduction of 133 fatal crashes.
"While one year does not make a trend, it's a move in the right direction," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California, in a news release. The network provides insurance and safety information to consumers and the media.
Tully Lehman, communications specialist with IINC, said in an e-mail that 40 percent of all motorcycle fatalities happen from June through August.
The number of motorcycle fatalities in Kern County for 2009 and 2010 was not available from the coroner's office, but there were 20 fatal motorcycle crashes in 2008 and 15 in 2007.
Kern County Sheriff's Senior Deputy Michael Whorf said wearing a helmet and protective clothing and being aware of your surroundings are important tips for motorcyclists.
"I used to ride and one of the tips I was given is don't ever assume someone can see you," Whorf said.
Valley Cycle & Motorsports sales manager Brent Needham, who's been riding for about 40 years, said being observant and learning how to properly brake can save lives. A lot of new drivers are afraid they'll go flying off their bike if they brake too hard, but that's not the case, he said.
Needham also said goggles, as well as helmets, are important. Riders could become blinded by something flying in their eye if they're not wearing proper protection.
New riders should take a safety class for two reasons, Psycho Tech Motorcycles owner Javier Macedo said. Not only do they learn how to properly ride, but they also get a discount on their insurance.
Crashes usually happen because motorcycle riders are driving too fast, Macedo said. Other motorists often notice motorcyclists, but it's hard to judge how fast the motorcyclists are moving.
"The only times I've almost been hit were when I was speeding," Macedo said.
Is driving a motorcycle more dangerous than driving a car? Of course, Needham said, because "you don't have a tin can surrounding you."
But that shouldn't dissuade people from riding, he said. There's a special sense of openness and freedom you get while riding a motorcycle that's impossible to put into words, Needham said.
Part of the experience is feeling the slight changes in temperature and the different smells in nature as you pass from one area to another. Needham said he feels like he's part of the world when he's on a motorcycle, and when he's in a car he feels like he's isolated.
Needham said people can become so safety conscious that they're not really engaging the world.
"Do you want to live until you die, or do you want to start dying as soon as you're born?" he asked.