UNLICENSED MOTORCYCLISTS: BORN TO RIDE DANGEROUSLY

This article explores the dangers associated with unlicensed motorcycle drivers. Motorcyclists in general are 16 times more likely than passenger-car occupants to die in a crash, and about four times as likely to be injured. About three quarters of fatal motorcycle accidents involve factors related to operator behavior. Because of these statistics, all U.S. states now require motorcyclists to have a special license or endorsement that is based on passing a fundamental riding-skill and knowledge test. However, about 20 percent of motorcyclists on the road do not have a valid motorcycle license. Forty percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involve riders who are not properly licensed. These unlicensed riders are less likely to have the training and abilities needed to ride safely. The reasons why so many motorcyclists are unlicensed are outlined and efforts to increase compliance and public awareness are described. An innovative program in Minnesota that makes it easier to obtain a proper license is highlighted. In that state, officials began an evening skills-testing program. In two years, 1,721 people received their endorsement through this evening program. Law enforcement and prevention/education strategies are described.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00410721
• Corporate Authors:

  National Safety Council

  1121 Spring Lake Drive
  Itasca, IL  United States  60143
• Authors:
  • Haapaniemi, P
• Publication Date: 1997-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 48-50
• Serial:
  • Traffic Safety (Chicago)
  • Volume: 97
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: National Safety Council
  • ISSN: 0041-0721

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compliance; Crash causes; Driver licensing; Driver training; Driving without a license; Fatalities; Law enforcement; Licensing; Motorcycling; Motorcyclists; Prevention; Safety
• Geographic Terms: Minnesota
• Old TRIS Terms: Licensing requirements; Motorcycle operator education; Motorcycle operator licensing
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Security and Emergencies; I81: Accident Statistics; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00738422
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 23 1997 12:00AM