March 22, 2003

Baby boomers are largely fueling a dramatic increase in motorcycle ownership in Michigan, just one of many changes identified in a just-released study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) that looks at motorcycle crash trends.

The study, commissioned by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), looked at data from 1997 through 2002 to identify trends and changes that will help guide future safety programming.

"Information is the cornerstone to developing effective programs," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP division director. "This is a crucial area of focus, given that nearly 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in a death or injury."

Over the six-year period, the number of motorcycles registered in the state increased by 45 percent. The largest increase in licensed motorcyclists was among those aged 45-64. Michigan also experienced a 20 percent increase in the number of motorcycle crashes during the same timeframe.

The study found about 44 percent of motorcyclists involved in a crash were not legally licensed to operate a motorcycle. Crash-involved motorists below age 19 were more likely than older crash-involved motorcyclists to be unlicensed. A person must be at least 16 and have a motorcycle endorsement on a valid driver’s license to legally operate a motorcycle in the state.

The largest increase in crash rate was among motorcyclists age 30-44, which increased by 52 percent. The study also noted the 32 percent increase in crash rate for motorcyclists age 45-64.

When looking at alcohol involvement, the study showed a 28 percent increase in the number of fatalities from motorcycle crashes in which a motorcyclist or other driver had been drinking. There has been a 71 percent increase in the number of motorcycle crashes involved motorcyclists age 45-64 who had been drinking.