Highway safety associations and law enforcement are trying to reduce the amount of fatal automobile accidents in the United States every year. That is why groups analyze crash data every single year to determine whether or not they have been successful in reducing the crash statistics. Recently, the Governor's High Safety Association revealed that motorcycle accidents have increased over the years. Researchers note that an estimated 5,000 individuals were killed on U.S. roadways while riding motorcycles in 2012. This is a 9% increase from 2011.

In 2012, the amount of motorcyclist deaths hit an all-time high. Motorcyclists are one of the few roadway user groups that have not seen improved safety over the past decade. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report shows there has been an increase in the number of motorcyclist fatalities in 34 states, and a decrease in fatalities in 16 stats. The only state that stayed at a stagnant rate was the District of Columbia. Increases in motorcyclist deaths were seen in every region of the United States, and some states experienced shockingly high rises in fatalities.

In Oregon, motorcyclist deaths rose by 32% in Oregon and by 29% in Indiana. The rise in fatal motorcycle accidents may be because of a better economy which encourages people to buy luxuries like motorcycles. Also, warm weather encourages individuals to take their bikes out, and high gas prices may push Americans towards buying fuel-efficient commuter alternatives like motorcycles. The fatality rate also may be due to the lack of helmet requirements in America at present. In 1997, 26 states had mandatory helmet laws in place. Now, there are only 19 states with requirement.

The chairman of the GHSA writes that all trends in motorcyclist deaths are going in the wrong direction. Authorities should take this as an urgent reminder that they need to do more to address the problem before it gets worse. One authority says that there is good news; there is a path to prevention that is effective. States simply need to implement the measures of this plan in order to prevent crashes and resulting injuries and fatalities. The GHSA suggests that states create helmet use laws in order to protect motorcyclists from fatal brain injuries. As well, the association says that reducing speeding and issuing speeding tickets to offenders could preserve motorcyclists' lives.

It is also helpful for governments to focus on eradicating impaired driving. Those that drive under the influence are at a heightened risk for a crash. Also, the GHSA believes that providing rider training to all motorcyclists could help to reduce accidents. Motor vehicle departments should be careful to ensure the proper licensing procedures so that unsafe or reckless motorcyclists are kept off the road. It is also important that states encourage drivers to share the road with motorcyclists, as it is common for drivers to become aggressive towards bikers.

The head of the Oregon Highway Safety Program told US News that it is important for authorities to remember that all crash statistics reflect real people with families and friends who lost a loved one. All crash data reflects statistics from the first nine months of the year and predictions for the following three months of that year. Most projections that are done in this manner mirror the final numbers at the end. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and believe that the driver of another vehicle is at-fault, then you need to talk to a car accident lawyer near you today. With the right attorney there to help you, you may be able to secure damages that will cover your medical bills and lost wages during recovery!