Report: Motorcycle deaths down, but so is helmet use

“Additionally, with the improving economy and surging gas prices, motorcycle travel is expected to increase, thus increasing exposure to risk,” the statement continued.
 
The report also found that motorcycle helmet use dropped “alarmingly,” from 67 percent in 2009 to 54 percent in 2010.
 
GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey, who is director of Maryland’s Highway Safety Office, said officials in his state and others are playing close attention to the motorcycle numbers.
 
“In my state, we suspect motorcycle fatalities increased 3 percent largely because of an unusual spike in crashes in one of our more rural counties,” he said in a statement. “We are working closely with law enforcement agencies and highway safety partners in this area to address the issue.
 
“Additionally, Maryland has stepped up efforts in work zones to ensure motorcycle riders are as safe as possible, is placing more emphasis on training and licensure and is increasing investment in the state’s public information and education campaign,” Betkey said.