Sgt. Curtis Mowers of the Minnesota State Patrol shared some interesting facts about motorcycles and their use.
Did you know that in Minnesota, over half of motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle crashes? Motorcycle use is at an all-time high and the two primary factors involved when they crash are driver inexperience and speed.
Did you know one main reason that motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because the motorcycle itself provides virtually no protection? The occupant protection that is built in to our passenger cars protects us greatly, but cannot be incorporated within a motorcycle. Nationwide, 80 percent of reported motorcycle crashes result in injury or death; a comparable figure for automobiles is only 20 percent.
Did you know, nationwide, that 25 percent of motorcycle operators killed in crashes are not licensed or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle?
Did you know that approximately half of all fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involved alcohol? Driving a motorcycle requires more skill and coordination than driving most other vehicles and impairment, even at lower levels, diminishes judgment and motor skills greatly, first and foremost.
Did you know it is not advisable to buy a motorcycle you cannot push or pull upright by yourself? A motorcycle must be the right fit for the person and the style of the cycle should fit the use.
For more information on motorcycles, crash facts, training course and research go to: www.nhtsa. gov/Safety/Motorcycles
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