An increase in education campaigns and awareness initiatives are being credited for a decline in motorcycle accident fatalities in Missouri. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, several states including Missouri reported that education and publicity efforts had helped affect a substantial reduction in motorcycle fatalities last year.
Missouri saw a dramatic drop in motorcycle fatalities between 2010 and 2011. Last year, there were 26 motorcycle accident fatalities in the first six months of the year, compared to 41 in the same period the previous year. There were also 68 fatalities during the first nine months of last year. In 2010, the number during the same time was 76. Those are preliminary numbers, but the Governors Highway Safety Association believes that the final numbers will tally with the preliminary figures.
However, across the country, there was no change in motorcycle accident fatality numbers at all. Many states reported declines, while others reported increases in their motorcycle fatality numbers. Some states like California saw a substantial increase in the motorcycle fatality numbers. Overall, the national motorcycle fatality toll this year is also expected to be in the region of 4,500, the same as last year.
Drive By Example, a Horn Law Safety Organization, is doing their part to protect motorcyclists. Drive By Example is particularly dedicated to curbing distracted driving, through their public awareness campaigns. “Even under the best conditions, motorcyclist are the most vulnerable drivers on the road, now given the proliferation of the cellphone and the distracted driving epidemic, motorcyclist face a new universe of risk” said Drive By Example founder, Doug Horn.
