If you are considered a “baby boomer” then you know that you are
part of a generation that made riding motorcycles the most popular
in your generation of riders. But also, unfortunately, you are also
dying more often in motorcycle accidents, (according to AAA).
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) states that older riders are more likely to receive life
threatening injuries or fatal injuries when they are involved in a
crash.
Motorcycle deaths rose to the highest level in 8 years in 2016.
And this may also be attributed to an increase from state to state
in motorcycle registrations. According to the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), the number of motorcycles on the highways
increased to 8.6 million in 2015 from 8.4 million in 2014.
The report also showed there is a higher risk for older riders. AAA
also stated that between 1998 and 2007, the number of injuries for
motorcycle riders older than the age of 60 increased from 2,000 to
8,000. In the same time frame, the number of injuries increased to
150% to riders who are 50-59 years old.
From 2015 to 2016, motorcycle fatalities rose 5.1%, and baby
boomer deaths increased more than 20%. AAA also stated there
were more than 156 more fatalities among motorcycle riders 60 or
older in 2016 compared with 2015 that had an increase of almost
22%.
Bottom line? Older riders need to drive more defensively than
younger ones and they need to adjust and accommodate for slower
reaction times and the likelihood that a crash could be more likely.
Also, AAA stresses the importance of continued training, and perhaps
you should start thinking about moving to 3 or 4 wheels instead of 2.
baby
boomers
at risk
By: T.R.
www.thunderroadslams.com | December 2017 | Thunder Roads Magazine Louisiana/Mississippi
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