Editorial

Training helps make riding a safer experience

Monday, March 5, 2007

The popular "Wild Hogs" movie, starring Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy, strikes a chord with middle-aged Baby Boomers who dream about regaining their youth.

By all accounts, it's a funny movie, but like most movies, it's designed to entertain, not reflect reality.

It is accurate in the fact that more and more middle-aged riders are taking up motorcycling again or for the first time.

What it misses, however, are the serious facts about accident statistics and the need for rider training, according to a state official.

"Art is imitating life in this film and boomers are returning to motorcycle riding in a big way," said Fred Zwonechek, Nebraska's Highway Safety Administrator. "Older riders in increasing numbers are getting into motorcycle riding again, or for the first time, without changing their driving attitudes or considering rider training -- and it is resulting in increased deaths and injuries."

In 2006, according to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, only 2 percent of registered vehicles were motorcycles, yet motorcyclists accounted for 7 percent (18) of the traffic fatality total of 268. And, 66 percent (12) of those motorcycle fatalities were age 34 or older.

And while a law to relax motorcycle helmet requirements is working its way through the Legislature, statistics show, regardless of the law, your odds are better if you wear a helmet.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets reduce the risk of fatal head injury by 40 percent, and the risk of death in a motorcycle crash by 37 percent.

* Unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries than helmeted riders in a crash.

* In Nebraska, a study on hospital costs for injured motorcyclists showed a decline in total acute medical charges of 38 percent after the law was implemented.

* Studies show that unhelmeted riders involved in crashes are less likely to have insurance and more likely to have higher hospital costs than helmeted riders in similar crashes.

* All states that have weakened or repealed helmet laws have experienced an increase in fatality rates.

* According to a March 2004 survey of 900 Nebraskans conducted by Research Associates, "79 percent indicated that the Nebraska law requiring motorcycle helmets should be continued; 15 percent indicated it should be repealed; and 7 percent didn't know."

* And, while the proposed law would still require riders under 21 to use a helmet, only 2 percent of licensed Nebraska motorcyclists are that age.

Besides a helmet, Zwonechek urges riders to wear a jacket, boots and gloves, and most importantly, take a training course.

Beginning in April, rider training courses are being offered across the state. More information is available at 222.dmv.state.ne.us/highwaysafety or by calling (402) 471-2516.

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