Increased deaths in TN

[Daisyjoe]

The number of motorcyclists killed has surged this year. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security says 133 people had died in motorcycle crashes by Tuesday compared to 114 for all of 2011.

More bikes, less brains maybe???

[MikeinGA]

The number of motorcyclists killed has surged this year. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security says 133 people had died in motorcycle crashes by Tuesday compared to 114 for all of 2011.

More bikes, less brains maybe???

No. More new riders with out training.

Mike

[MouthPiece]

Although I don't know the numbers here in Flarda, the newspaper does seem to have a lot more reports of MC deaths here. Perhaps it catches my eye more since my accident. As for the reason? I'll put my money on texting. (not the motorcycler).

Chris

[Dizneyman]

Although I don't know the numbers here in Flarda, the newspaper does seem to have a lot more reports of MC deaths here. Perhaps it catches my eye more since my accident. As for the reason? I'll put my money on texting. (not the motorcycler).

Chris

[Bob Denman]

Is that number the only fact reported? Does Tennessee have more riders that are riding more miles?? An increased exposure to losses my well be the other side of this coin...
But it IS a darn shame!

[Barbwire]

Too many pretty things to look at in Tennessee and lots of twisty roads. We have lived and ridden in California, Texas and now east Tennessee and we stop riding on Thanksgiving and start up again Jan 1. Seems like from Thanksgiving on everyone is focused on shopping and holiday stuff and not motorcycles. Ride safe.

[Oldmanzues]

What is the ratio between number of deaths and registered M/'C ? Who is at fault in the crashs ?" this should for the years being talked about.
Training and knowledge do make a big difference. I am amazed at the ?"knowledge" some riders have. If you touch the front brake, you will fly over the handlebars. Buy the cheapest tires you can, they are all the same. Controlled braking is a joke, just lay it down. A bald tire is just like a racing tire. ABS does not work anytime. Among others on here.
The worse "knowledge" I ever heard was from a car diver, ABS is great, I use it several times a day. What to ride with him?"
A history note. A guy rode his HD to work, but asked me if it made a difference if the bike had a radial on the front and a bais ply on the back. It handled kind of funny on the way in. I firmly suggest he push it on a trailer and take it someplace for the same kind of tires.
Oldmanzues
Added. What is a M/C in TN?" There was a person killed here not to long ago on a "auto parts special, in the paper as a M/'C.

[Macca]

From my experience last July during a week of on and off rain it's the cagers who refuse to adjust their driving habits according to weather conditions. Happy to have survived that vacation.

[fencepost]

If you haven't already next time you are out riding look into the car next you and then count how many drivers are on cell phones. I think this plays a part in the numbers going up. Ride safe.

[lookerjdc]

most likely a combination of new riders and blind motorists...

when youre on a bike, whether 2 wheels or 3, you have to be 'overly' cautious and aware

keep your head up and eyes on the road ahead of you and NEVER stop looking around you

[OldDog]

The number of motorcyclists killed has surged this year. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security says 133 people had died in motorcycle crashes by Tuesday compared to 114 for all of 2011.

More bikes, less brains maybe???

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it is the boomers who are making up a disproportionate amount of those deaths. I seem to have heard or read it somewhere.

[Mexican]

Ther new riders getting a ZX14 when they are bearly ready for a CBR250

[ARtraveler]

It is hard to make a good interpretation of the why's and wherefore's of the cause effect of the deaths without a whole lot more information. It is sad that the number of mc deaths seems to be increasing though.

Motorcycles are bigger and faster than they used to be and some new riders are just not ready for the power and speed that they encounter.

My younger brother was involved in a terrible accident on his maiden voyage on a new HD the very same day he bought it. He had not owned a 1200 cc motorcycle prior to that one. He was almost killed, suffered some brain damage, cannot work any more, but still has most of his facilities. This happened over ten years ago.

[jerpinoy]

I'm very sad to know all these fatalities. I wonder if they (TN) are doing anything to eliminate these fatal incidents.

[MouthPiece]

What a coincidence that the Orlando Sentinel came out with an article this morning reference a motorcycle accident/death two days ago. In the article it said that there were 7 motorcycle deaths in the Central, Flarda area, this past November. I mention this not to claim that there are more deaths, but to simply report what was listed in the paper.

Chris

[Bob Denman]

It is hard to make a good interpretation of the why's and wherefore's of the cause effect of the deaths without a whole lot more information. It is sad that the number of mc deaths seems to be increasing though.

Motorcycles are bigger and faster than they used to be and some new riders are just not ready for the power and speed that they encounter.

My younger brother was involved in a terrible accident on his maiden voyage on a new HD the very same day he bought it. He had not owned a 1200 cc motorcycle prior to that one. He was almost killed, suffered some brain damage, cannot work any more, but still has most of his facilities. This happened over ten years ago.

Without some proper context; the numbers really don't mean much. (I'm sorry to hear about your brother too!)

[spyderraven]

Ther new riders getting a ZX14 when they are bearly ready for a CBR250

+1 ^

[donnellpj]

I have to think you have a combination of factors here, most have already been stated.

More people hoping to gain better fuel economy by riding, maybe less training than those that have ridden for years.

Cagers have to be more distracted these days than ever before. The more things they build into these cars for "safety" add more and more complexity to the systems. Also, I think others are spot on about the cell phone situation. To not have a hands free kit in this day and age is inexcusable. Texting is incredibly dangerous as we all know, let alone reading a book or newspaper,...(I have seen this first hand at 70 mph),...

I think its many factors coming together at a unique time that makes the numbers look skewed.

Just rambling,...

[rpatsh]

If you want some statistics, check out this page.
http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departm...53_WA_2010.htm

Bottom line is there are too many senseless deaths in cars and motorcycles!

[MouthPiece]

Hmmmmmmmm......62 Helmeted deaths for 2010 and only 6 Unhelmeted deaths?????

Chris

[rpatsh]

Hmmmmmmmm......62 Helmeted deaths for 2010 and only 6 Unhelmeted deaths?????

Chris

I would guess that's because Washington State has a helemt law.

[viperred]

I totally agree with all the cell phone committs, that say its dangererous to be around those useing then on the highway.

[mick ruhdorf]

as i read this thread i see "the bikes are bigger and faster " as a reason for the deaths todays motocycles may be bigger and faster but theyre also light years ahead in braking/handling/saftey features .In my humble opinion a lot of problems are caused by inexperience and a lack of training and if you live in a small country town like me there are no training facilities within 450 miles so youre snookered .
ride safe mick

[Ken Thomas]

2+^

[oldbaldguy]

I'm in upstate south carolina, not far from Tenn. I am seeing more overall "motorcycle" trauma in the ERs that we serve than I remember last year. HOWEVER, the biggest increase here is definitely from scooters. They are everywhere. scooter riders don't seem to have much safety training (just my observation). Are the stats separating motorcycles and scooters? if not, i would expect an increase n the numbers