Motorcycle deaths on the rise in Wyoming

[PeteSC]

Motorcycledeaths on the rise in Wyoming


CASPER -- Motorcycles deaths in Wyoming increased in three of the last four years and have jumped sharply in 2005, according to state highway officials.

Thirteen motorcyclists have died so far this year, compared to 15 for all of 2004, according to statistics compiled by the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

The peak of motorcycle activity in Wyoming may still be coming. It typically occurs in August, coinciding with the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally just across the border in South Dakota, said Lt. Carl McDonald, the Highway Patrol's safety and training officer.

 
Nationally, the trend of motorcycle deaths is also rising, said Rae Tyson, a spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Slightly more than 2,000 people died in motorcycle crashes in 1997, and the numbers have increased each succeeding year, with nearly 4,000 deaths last year, he said.

The data also show an increasing number of riders 40 and older have been dying in motorcycle wrecks.

"That's the age group that's been buying the most motorcycles," Tyson said.

The agency has looked closely at five states that repealed helmet laws. In each, fatalities increased dramatically, he said. And preliminary results in Florida show an increase since that state dropped its helmet law in 2000.

"Medical costs in Florida increased phenomenally" after the repeal, Tyson said, adding that some people believe that any protection offered by a helmet is offset by increased risk of spinal injury because of the helmet's weight.

"There is not scientific basis for that," he said.

In Wyoming, only riders under 18 are required to wear helmets. The requirement for others was lifted in the early 1980s.

The Highway Patrol says since early 2001, 67 motorcyclists have died in Wyoming crashes, and 59 were not wearing helmets.

Some motorcycle enthusiasts say increased deaths can simply be attributed to increased ridership since the repeal of helmet laws. Frank Hardman, who owns motorcycle shops in Casper and Douglas, said sales have almost doubled in the last year.

Tom Lindsay, spokesman for the American Motorcyclist Association, said some states had seen fewer fatalities after repeal. Moreover, the debate overlooks an important point, he said.

"Helmet laws do not prevent crashes," Lindsay said.

He recommends that new motorcyclists take classes, acquire proper licenses and not drink and ride. Better attention from other drivers would also improve safety, Lindsay said.

"Check twice, save a life," he said.

In Wyoming, new motorcyclists are required to pass written and practical tests to acquire a motorcycle license endorsement. The Wyoming Department of Transportation offers beginning training classes in Casper, Cheyenne and several other cities.

Hardman believes classes are very helpful, but their popularity and the wait to enroll may deter some riders.

Some riders return to motorcycling after years, even decades, Hardman said. Although they may have passed licensing exams long ago, a refresher safety course would be helpful, he said.

He also said motorcycles are safer today because of better tires and more responsive brakes.

Hardman, who is committed to wearing a helmet, said motorcyclists should routinely check that their bikes are in good shape, and tires are inflated properly and have a good tread.

"You're putting your life on those two tires," Hardman said.