News Flash

The Dubuque Police Department, along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), would like to remind all motorists to look out for and “Share the Road” with motorcyclists; and motorcyclists are reminded to obey all traffic laws, wear DOT-compliant helmets and other protective gear – including making themselves visible by using the appropriate lighting, reflective gear/attire and bright clothing.

Nationally, the use of DOT-compliant helmets increased significantly to 66% in 2011, up from 54% in 2010 (based on the National Occupant Protection Use Survey). However, local helmet use remains alarmingly low and well under the national average. NHTSA estimates helmets saved the lives of 1,617 motorcyclists in 2011, and if all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 703 lives could have been saved. During this same time frame, 60% of fatally injured motorcycle drivers and 49% of motorcycle passengers were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. In addition to saving lives, helmets also save money: the economic cost savings due to helmet use was approximately $3.4 billion in 2011, and an additional $1.4 billion could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.

In addition to lack of helmet use, impaired driving also had a major, and fatal, impact on motorcyclists. In fact, the percentage of drivers with Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels of .08 or higher in fatal crashes in 2011 were 29% (highest) for motorcyclists, 24% for passenger cars, and 21 percent for light trucks. Also in 2011, 42% of the nearly 2,000 motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes had BAC levels of .08 or higher. Sixty-seven percent of those killed in single-vehicle crashes on weekend nights had BACs of .08 or higher. Over the past decade, the age group with the largest increase in motorcycle fatalities was the 40-and-older age group and riders 40-44 years old who were killed in crashes had the highest rates of alcohol involvement.

Lastly, motorcyclists are reminded that while they have the same rights as other drivers, they are also expected to abide by the same laws – to include muffler/exhaust laws/ordinances. A concerted effort by all motorists - including the proper use of safety equipment, not driving impaired/distracted, and abiding by all traffic laws - will undoubtedly make this riding season safer for everyone.