Motorcycle Fatalities Are On the Rise

A recent report from the Illinois Department of Transportation shows that fatal motorcycle accidents are up 13 percent from 2010 thru last year.  The report shows that there were 148 motorcycle fatalities in the State of Illinois in 2012 compared to 131 in 2010.  The surprising element in these statistics is that fatalities rose despite less accidents involving motorcycles.

One reason may be the lack of experience of the owners of these bikes. Motorcycle ownership has risen 57% in the last ten years prompting the idea that there are more inexperienced riders out there now.

Illinois is also one of three states in the country that does not mandate the usage of a helmet while riding.  According to a report in the State Journal Register of Springfield, of the 145 people who died in 2011 , 110 were not wearing a helmet.