Comments on: Washington State Patrol: “Motorcycle drivers are killing themselves.”

By: Tom Monroe

Tom Monroe — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 16:16:32 +0000

to me, the stats are basically inline with the Hurt report, and other studies I’ve seen, except the 2/3 “single vehicle accidents”. As I recall, Hurt and others cited about 40%…

To me, this essentially boils down to a lot of people are dieing because they can’t negotiate corners. But why would it be worse here and now… I think that’s the real question.

By: Northwest Cycle News » More Statistics From the WSP

Northwest Cycle News » More Statistics From the WSP — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 02:20:05 +0000

[...] The recent quote from Trooper Brian George of the Washington State Patrol gathered more than a few comments. I contacted Trooper George and he generously provided me with his “talking points” regarding motorcycle fatalities. They paint an interesting picture. In addition to the following, Trooper George told me that “one point I like to really hit on is that most motorcycle fatality collisions are single vehicle collision, motorcycle leaves the roadway.” [...]

By: J. Conway

J. Conway — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 08:20:33 +0000

A lengthy article in the Kitsap Sun with no details about the referenced “study.”
Where the HELL are the reporters these days? Like the WSP needs another PR person in the Press to spew out another “puff” piece. Investigative Journalism has fast become a lost art, but failing to ask an extremely basic follow-up question is inexcusable.
I don’t know how the “Question Authority” generation gave way to the “Whatever” generation.

By: John

John — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 06:10:20 +0000

I want to see the study too, Warren. The source for this item was a lengthy article in the Kitsap Sun and there was no more detail mentioned about the study.

I have contacted the WSP and the quoted Trooper to request a copy of the study. When I get it, I will post an update.

By: Warren Truitt

Warren Truitt — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 05:43:52 +0000

In a most recent study” What does “most recent” mean, 1986???

I am doubting those stats, and I would like to see some factual backup to them, anyone can spout stats, that doesn’t make them true, do you have a link to the study and who conducted and paid for the study?
BTW even if the stats are correct then– 64% of motorcyclists killed while riding DID have the proper license and 60% of those killed were NOT under the influence.

“And about two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents involved no other vehicle.”
I flat out do not believe this statement. I want to see proof.

â€œMotorcycle drivers are killing themselves,â€ said Brian George, a WSP spokesman.
Easy statement to make with no backup.

I know that there are riders out there who ride when they do not have the proper endorsement and others who ride while under the influence. But for a WSP spokesman to make these kind of statements without back up is just wrong.

Come on, NCN, this is not very good or factual reporting. I trust you to give us riders real facts and news about motorcycle safety— not unsubstantiated claims that are not backed up by facts and figures. Please provide the info to back up these claims.