I found more California motorcycle accident data from 2004 through 2008. Statistics rarely tell the whole story, but there’s plenty of interesting data to delve into.
- Rider deaths from 2004-2008 were spread out evenly (and surprisingly) between the ages of 15 and 54. Keep in mind they were broken down into 10 year segments; as an example there’s no way to know if the bulk of the age 45-54 deaths occurred closer to 45 or 54. It’s not until you get up to the 55-64 age group where you start to see the numbers dip down.
- In 2008 fatal collisions where the rider was at fault, unsafe speed was by far the single biggest factor at 150 deaths (almost 40% of all said collisions). Next big factor? Alcohol, at 96 deaths (25%).
- In 2008 injury collisions where the rider was at fault, unsafe speed was again the single biggest factor at 3143 injuries (47%). Next big factor? Improper turning (whatever that means because I couldn’t find a definition), at 1386 injuries (nearly 21%).
Here are the links for you data freaks out there.
http://www.chp.ca.gov/switrs/pdf/2008-sec7.pdf