Motorcycle crash trends in michigan: 2001-2005

Abstract

Trends and patterns of motorcycle crashes in Michigan from 2001 through 2005 were examined in an effort to explain the large increase in motorcycle fatalities in Michigan between 2004 and 2005. Analysis of motorcycle registrations and license endorsements records showed continued increase in motorcycling activity, with a 32% increase in registered motorcycles, and a 9% increase in overall motorcycle endorsements. Analysis of crash patterns by age indicated that the increase in fatalities was most likely a consequence of the aging of the motorcyclists. Motorcycling endorsements in Michigan for those age 45 years and older increased by 23% between 2001 and 2005, and the percentage of this age group among all motorcyclists increased from 56% to 64%. The number of fatalities among motorcyclists age 45 and older increased from 13 to 47 between 2001 and 2005, while the percentage that these fatalities comprised among all motorcycle fatalities increased from 14% to 41%.