NHTSA statistics

[1.21GW]

NHTSA released 2011 statistics for motorcycle accidents.  Not the most upbeat read, but good data on most common causes of fatalities.  Article is here:
http://rideapart.com/2013/05/what-the-latest-nhtsa-fatality-statistics-reveal-about-motorcycle-safety/

For those of you adverse to reading, here are some bullets:

More than 42% (1,998) of motorcyclists in 2011 were killed in two vehicle accident and 38% (757) of these were the result of another vehicle turning left in front of the motorcycle that was either going straight, passing or overtaking another vehicle.

NHTSA claims that of all motorcycle deaths in 2011, 35% (1,614) were the direct result of the rider speeding.

The really scary part of all these statistics is that 42% of motorcycle riders who died in single vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2011 had blood alcohol levels (BAC) of 0.8g/dL or higher.

Be safe.

[ducpainter]

The really scary part of all these statistics is that 42% of motorcycle riders who died in single vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2011 had blood alcohol levels (BAC) of 0.8g/dL or higher.

0.8 is pretty much dead even if you're just sitting in a chair.

.08 perhaps?

[1.21GW]

Not sure it's the same thing.  The 0.08 legal limit (in most states) is 0.08%, i.e. 0.08% of your blood is alcohol.  The 0.8 in the article is something else: g/dL.  I'm not sure how that translates to %, but regardless the message of drinking + biking remains relevant I think.

Disclaimer: I am neither a doctor nor a biologist but simply a googler, so I may be completely wrong here.

[ducpainter]

It's probably me with my head up my ass...

you'd think they'd quote stats that everyone might have a chance of understanding/relating to personal experience.

anyway...from my quick web search...

http://ourthinkingaboutdrinking.com/uploadedfiles/PDF_Downloads/BloodAlcoholConcentrationLimits.pdf


0.40 g/dl ...unconsciousness; coma; needs hospitalization.

[LowThudd]

Yea, um...ten times the legal limit is dead. Obviously a typo. Even .08 is very severly drunk. You ever see Mythbusters purposely reach .08? They have to force feed themselves alcohol to get there.

[Speeddog]

I looked in the actual NHTSA document, it indeed says .08 g/dL, and terms it 'alcohol-impaired'.

Impairment level varies depending on how much the person usually drinks.

[hbliam]

Yea, um...ten times the legal limit is dead. Obviously a typo. Even .08 is very severly drunk. You ever see Mythbusters purposely reach .08? They have to force feed themselves alcohol to get there.

.08 for most people is not severely drunk. They are impaired but not fall down drunk. .15 and up is bad. I've seen a few .40 and .42's that were functioning. The .08's to .10's are some of the toughest DUI's to locate and identify but they are some of the most dangerous. They still think they are "in control" but their reactions times and fine motor skills are impaired enough to hurt themselves or others. 

[hbliam]

Impairment level varies depending on how much the person usually drinks.

What they weigh and if they have or haven't eaten are big factors as well.

[Raux]

what the numbers right off don't say from the BLUF is this.

is the 42% alcohol related number also the same 35% of speeders

and the other 42% from 2 vehicle not related to the first alcohol related

meaning...

DUIs and car drivers account for 84% of the deaths.
making responsible motorcyclist, fast or slow, actually a very safe citizen