Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures ( Hurt , 1981 ) has been the last comprehensive motorcycle safety study. Most of our safety standards today are based on this outdated study.

Motorcycle safety features, technology, motorcycle laws, motorcycle rider profiles and motorcyclist training programs have changed since the Hurt report. Motorcycle injuries and fatalities decreased in 1980's and early 1990's. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2003 motorcycle fatalities rose 11 percent over the previous year, marking the sixth consecutive year of increases.What has changed? One must keep in mind however, that the number of motorcyclists are also increasing rapidly. 41,059 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2007. The federal government estimates that per mile traveled in 2006, the number of deaths on motorcycles was about 35 times the number in cars. Helmets are about 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.

It is the goal of Two Wheel Touring to become a significant influence in motorcycle safety, by providing you with advanced information to increase rider's safety consciousness, make the public more aware of motorcycles and support environmental changes that protect motorcyclists as well as motorists.

Reference: http://www.msf-usa.org/ http://www.iihs.org/research/fatality_facts_2007/motorcycles.html

All motorcyclists, like everyone in the world, have individual opinions. Most have a definite preference for the motorcycle type, manufacturer, riding gear, style of biking and the level of risk vs. the level of enjoyment or comfort. The motorcyclist's attitude towards safety can have a major influence on preventing and surviving a motorcycle accident. No matter how powerful the motorcyclist and motorcycle appear, with only two wheels, they are at greater risk than any other type of motorized vehicle on the road. The motorcyclist, unlike an automobile driver, receives absolutely no protection from the motorcycle itself. In fact, some designs can even increase your chances of being severely injured. No one ever wants to be belted in his or her bike. Generally if a crash occurs, getting far away from your motorcycle is the goal. Therefore, the only protection that you have during an accident, is literally the clothes on your back. Serious motorcyclists realize that the best tactic is to avoid an accident by studying and practicing best tactics, staying sober, pre-ride checks, maintaining your motorcycle, etc. If the law of averages catches you and an incident occurs, the amount of protection you have chosen, your sobriety, your skill, your machine, and speed will play a big part in determining the outcome. It is a decision that you have to make.