Although motorcycle deaths declined in 2010 from the year before, the difference was slight, and unfortunately helmet use also dropped. The decrease in fatalities was early in 2010, and increased by about 3 percent by the end of the year when compared with that time period in 2009, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Across the country, fatalities declined from 4,465 in 2009 to 4,376 or less. The decline comes after a 16 percent drop in 2009, which followed 11 prior years of increases in motorcycle deaths. The data is preliminary, but most states have reasonably complete fatality counts for at least the first nine months of 2010, leading to a forecast that deaths will be at least 2 percent lower for the full year.

Factors that could influence the number of fatalities from state to state can include a rise in motorcycle registration, or a longer riding season. Additionally, with the improving economy and spike in gas prices, motorcycle travel is expected to increase.

Results vary from state to state. In Texas, motorcycle deaths are expected to be down 16 percent, while Oregon and Oklahoma are down 27 and 30 percent, respectively. In Oregon the drop is credited to a training program and a new law strengthening penalties for riders who do not have a motorcycle-specific license.

Here are some ways states can continue to help decrease motorcycle fatalities.

• Increase helmet use: Thirty states still lack helmet laws for all riders, and helmet use dropped from 67 percent in 2009 to 54 percent in 2020.
• Reduce alcohol impairment: High visibility drunk driving enforcement, as well as training to help police identify drunken motorcyclists.
• Reduce speed: According to the most recent data, 35 percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding, and more than half of speed-related fatal motorcycle crashes did not involve another vehicle.
• Rider training: Provide enough course openings and times convenient for riders.

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Governors Highway Safety Association