Given the steady growth of the crash problem since the late 1990s, a descriptive analysis of motorcycle crashes on U. S. roads was performed to gain insight into crash causation and investigate opportunities for improving rider safety. Data from the 1992-2004 National Automotive Sampling System/General Estimate System (NASS/GES) were studied relative to crash configuration and rider, motorcycle, and environment characteristics. Data trends before and after 1998 were examined. Key findings show that, in addition to the increase in crash risk due to exposure, motorcycle crashes are becoming more deadly. Contributing factors to increased severity and higher fatalities rates were: increased road departures and decreased helmet use for riders, especially those under 19 or 40-49 years of age, increased alcohol involvement for riders ages 30-49; vehicles turning into the path of the motorcycle, and head on crashes; lack of awareness of the impending crash; vulnerability of over 750cc engine size motorcycles in frontal crashes; riding on roads with higher speed limits; crashes away from a junction, and riders over 40 in dark road conditions. Overall, as compared to all crashes, a rider was about two times more likely to be killed in a road departure. Also, riders under age 30 were most vulnerable followed by riders over 50 in all motorcycle crashes. Findings support opportunities in safety strategies such as rider education, grouped by age, relative to speeding, helmet use, and alcohol consumption. Findings also support opportunities in countermeasures such as improved visibility including enhanced lighting, for the motorcycle and/or roadway, and improved performance of larger motorcycles in frontal crashes. Findings highlight the need to study the vulnerability of riders over 50 in motorcycle crashes and the need for a more in-depth study of the growing road departure motorcycle crash problem.
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