Increased Motorcycle Deaths Blamed on Bad Economy
Since gas prices increased, experts say more inexperienced riders on the road
November 14, 2009
DALLAS
What used to be a symbol of freedom and adventure is now also a symbol of thriftiness.
"It's so much cheaper, a motorcycle," McKenna Dutcher said. "Our gas bill was almost cut in half."
With the fuel efficiency of motorcycles, more drivers are switching from four wheels to two.
Al Lamb, owner of Dallas Honda, said sales of his motorcycles peaked last year before dipping and rising again this year.
"Last year, our sales were the best we ever had for 33 years."
But Dr. Fernando Wilson, a professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, said for every dollar increase in gas prices, 1,500 more motorcycle riders die each year nationwide.
And according to the Texas Department of Transportation, the number of motorcycle crashes has gone up each of the past five years.
Some say drivers of cars and trucks need to pay more attention.
"They're too busy on their cell phones," motorcyclist Mike Heerwagen said. "They're not paying attention to what's in front of them."
But many bikers attribute higher crash rates to the influx of new, inexperienced riders on the road.
"If you mess up on a motorcycle, it's probably a lot more tragic than a vehicle," Stephen Dutcher said.
He said he thinks all new riders should get training beyond the state testing requirements.
"I would recommend everyone to take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course," Dutcher said. "I learned a lot about my bike and how to be safe and how to look for other drivers."
LINK:
Bad Economy, More Motorcycles, More Deaths - KDAF
