Over the last year, fatalities involving motorcycle accidents have decreased in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Despite the drop in the fatalities, motorcycle riders continue to face dangers on the road.

Motorcycle fatalities decreased by 16 percent in 2009 across the United States. Motorcycle fatalities are at their lowest level since 2006, and the numbers in Pennsylvania have followed similarly. The decrease in fatalities comes at a time when motorcycle riding is as popular as ever. Since 2000, the number of registered motorcyclists has increased every year. As of 2009, there were 828,245 licensed motorcycle drivers in Pennsylvania.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association there are multiple reasons why fatalities may be down. The Association believes the largest factor is education. The state has made motorcycle safety awareness a top issue after a study found that many accidents were caused by improper training and licensing. The Association also believes that motorist awareness, reduced travel because of the recession and fewer beginners on the road may have attributed to the decrease in motorcycle fatalities.

Even though motorcycle fatalities are down this year, officials do not yet believe it is a trend. Motorcycle fatalities over the last decade have continued to rise despite a fall in general vehicle deaths. Additionally, motorcycle deaths have doubled from 1998 to 2008.

A new danger for motorcyclists has also been growing on the roads — distracted driving. A motorcycle rider and legislative coordinator for the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education explained that while she feels safer because more riders are being educated, she also feels vulnerable because riders are not protected by their vehicle and that motorcyclists are hard to see.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Motorcycle Fatalities Fall in U.S., Pennsylvania," Jon Schmitz, 10/1/10