NGC Fatalties per state

[Johncolleary]

Interesting numbers
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/which-states-have-the-most-motorcycle-fatalities

[Lannis]

I can't see any pattern there that squares with what I see.

I know that when I ride from Virginia to Ohio, which I do two or three times a year, I seem to be passing 5 times as many motorcyclists in Ohio as I do in Virginia and West Virginia, none of them are wearing helmets, and there's a lot of built-up and industrial areas for truck traffic.   Riding along the river from Moundsville WV to East Liverpool on OH7, I'll pass hundreds of bikes.

I would have thought that Ohio's rate would be higher, but it's not.   Oh well, learn something new every day.

Lannis

[rocker59]

The most interesting thing to me was how many registered motorcycles are in MONTANA!

#50 - Montana - 306,655 registered - 23 deaths - .075 per 10,000 registered.

 Population   Ranked 43rd -  Total   1,062,305 (2018)


Compare that to Texas:

#2 - Texas - 364,690 registered - 490 deaths - 13.44 per 10,000 registered.

Population   Ranked 2nd -  Total   28,701,845 (2018)


Deaths per mile traveled would be much better information...

[Dilliw]

I can't see any pattern there that squares with what I see.

I know that when I ride from Virginia to Ohio, which I do two or three times a year, I seem to be passing 5 times as many motorcyclists in Ohio as I do in Virginia and West Virginia, none of them are wearing helmets, and there's a lot of built-up and industrial areas for truck traffic.   Riding along the river from Moundsville WV to East Liverpool on OH7, I'll pass hundreds of bikes.

I would have thought that Ohio's rate would be higher, but it's not.   Oh well, learn something new every day.

Lannis

Climate.  Warmer states have more fatalities

[LBC Tenni]

I seem to recall reading that the state of Mississippi also has the lowest average IQ in the nation. Coincidence?

[rocker59]

I seem to recall reading that the state of Mississippi also has the lowest average IQ in the nation. Coincidence?

National Average is 98.  The top ain't that high at 104.3, so I'll say it's not a factor...

Why do you think California's average IQ is so low?   


Massachusetts    104.3
New Hampshire    104.2
North Dakota    103.8
Vermont    103.8
Minnesota    103.7
Maine    103.4
Montana    103.4
Iowa    103.2
Connecticut    103.1
Wisconsin    102.9
Kansas    102.8
New Jersey    102.8
South Dakota    102.8
Wyoming    102.4
Nebraska    102.3
Virginia    101.9
Washington    101.9
Ohio    101.8
Indiana    101.7
Colorado    101.6
Pennsylvania    101.5
Idaho    101.4
Oregon    101.2
Utah    101.1
Missouri    101
New York    100.7
Michigan    100.5
Delaware    100.4
North Carolina    100.2
Texas    100
Illinois    99.9
Maryland    99.7
Rhode Island    99.5
Kentucky    99.4
Oklahoma    99.3
Alaska    99
West Virginia    98.7
Florida    98.4
South Carolina    98.4
Georgia    98
Tennessee    97.7
Arkansas    97.5
Arizona    97.4
Nevada    96.5
Alabama    95.7
New Mexico    95.7
Hawaii    95.6
California    95.5
Louisiana    95.3
Mississippi    94.2

https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/we-compared-average-iq-score-in-all-50-states-results-are-eye-opening.html

[oldbike54]

 Don't remember where , but read a few years back that the fatality rates in non-mandatory helmet law states don't see any measurable rise from states with mandatory helmet laws for all riders . Go figure 

 Somewhat surprising to see Oklahoma kinda mid pack in fatality rates and IQ .

 Dusty

[LBC Tenni]

I’d say all the states at the low end of IQ have a poor public education system and a high percentage of people who don’t value education. I was born and raised in Iowa. I can tell you with certainty the average Iowan gets a much better primary/secondary education than the average Californian. Urban poverty and the associated lack of parenting is a big factor in California.

Back to the basic idea that stupidity is not a factor in many motorcycle crashes/fatalities, you were saying?

[Dilliw]

Here's a deep dive into the 2012 numbers.  I assume that 2018 is in line:

https://www.rideapart.com/articles/255170/what-the-latest-nhtsa-fatality-stats-reveal-about-motorcycle-safety/

Mississippi and Ohio may have had fewer rider deaths in 2011 at 53 and 157 respectively, but both states had the national highest percentage of alcohol-impaired deaths at 40% of all motorcycle fatalities. (Vermont was actually higher at 63% but with only eight riders killed in 2011).


Here in SC (No. 3 on the list) everyone has an opinion on helmets, but no one bats an eye at all of the bikes in front of all of the bars every night. 

[LBC Tenni]

Riding under the influence = stupid strikes again. A sad fact of motorcycle fatalities is that most of them could be avoided if people would simply employ common sense and a basic understanding of the physics of speed and impact. Stupid kills. I’ve seen it on the LA freeways more times than I care to count.

[Beowulf]

Not surprised by Texas being no 2. I have lived in California, Arizona, and now Texas. Houston has some of the most agressive, inconsiderate and risk taking drivers i have personally observered on two and 4 wheels.

Turn signals dont exist and everyone reads the speed limit as 30 miles above whatever it is.

And yes i have driven in LA and Phoenix

[rocker59]

  (Vermont was actually higher at 63% but with only eight riders killed in 2011).
 

So, five of the eight riders killed were alchohol impaired.  That's pretty insane.

[oldbike54]

I seem to recall reading that the state of Mississippi also has the lowest average IQ in the nation. Coincidence?

 I am loathe to make statements about the relative intelligence of the residents in a different state . IQ tests are funny things , not always indicative of much . Try taking a couple of different tests , they can and often are weighted in such a way that the results vary wildly .

 Dusty

[rocker59]

Back to the basic idea that stupidity is not a factor in many motorcycle crashes/fatalities, you were saying?

Stupid decisions are a factor, sure.  But no correlation to "average IQ in the State".  Smart people make stupid decisions everyday.  I see it at work, and am constantly amazed.

It  would be interesting to know what the average IQ of motorcycle riders is.  And, the average IQ of those who are killed while riding.  If you had those numbers, you'd have something.

[pebra]

So, five of the eight riders killed were alchohol impaired.  That's pretty insane.

Or maybe it should be sort of a relief for the rest of us?

I seem to recall from my local figures (Norway) that when you eliminate the deaths of riders who were intoxicated, or racing on public roads, or lacking experience  -  there weren't that many left.

[oldbike54]

Stupid decisions are a factor, sure.  But no correlation to "average IQ in the State".  Smart people make stupid decisions everyday.  I see it at work, and am constantly amazed.

It  would be interesting to know what the average IQ of motorcycle riders is.  And, the average IQ of those who are killed while riding.  If you had those numbers, you'd have something.

 This 100%

 The reverse is also true , people who might not possess high intelligence do the smart thing .

 "Sometimes we all do things that , well , just don't make no sense" . From Forrest Gump .

 Dusty

[unclepete]

When is the last time any of us have had an IQ test .
Where are these numbers coming from ?

[rocker59]

When is the last time any of us have had an IQ test .
Where are these numbers coming from ?

I posted the link in my previous post.  Feel free to click it.  It was just something I Googled up.

[rocker59]

Or maybe it should be sort of a relief for the rest of us?
 

I agree with this.  I used to pay closer attention to local motorcycle accidents and deaths.  Very large number of them happened after dark with the rider impaired.

[Bill]

If I were to be asked I would have predicted California to be number one. Half the state has warm temps, traffic is insane, huge motorcycle population. Crowded and dangerous Interstates. Wildly fun but dangerous mountain roads. It's beyond me why  their rate is not higher.
Bill

[alanp]

The most interesting thing to me was how many registered motorcycles are in MONTANA!

#50 - Montana - 306,655 registered - 23 deaths - .075 per 10,000 registered.

 Population   Ranked 43rd -  Total   1,062,305 (2018)


Compare that to Texas:

#2 - Texas - 364,690 registered - 490 deaths - 13.44 per 10,000 registered.

Population   Ranked 2nd -  Total   28,701,845 (2018)


Deaths per mile traveled would be much better information...

That right there is unbelievable.  Montana has almost as many registered motorcycles as Texas with 1/28th the population and way worse weather????
Seriously, that is not believable and calls all of the data in question. 
Unless of course some rich guy in Montana has a big barn with 200,000 or so motorcycles in it. 

[LBC Tenni]

If I were to be asked I would have predicted California to be number one. Half the state has warm temps, traffic is insane, huge motorcycle population. Crowded and dangerous Interstates. Wildly fun but dangerous mountain roads. It's beyond me why  their rate is not higher.
Bill

For every dumb kid riding wheelies on the freeway, we have a hundred smart riders who understand safety and hone their riding skills year round. Also, the dumbest among us generally don’t ride.

[Dilliw]

That right there is unbelievable.  Montana has almost as many registered motorcycles as Texas with 1/28th the population and way worse weather????
Seriously, that is not believable and calls all of the data in question. 
Unless of course some rich guy in Montana has a big barn with 200,000 or so motorcycles in it.

In 1997 Montana had  17,978 registered motorcyles. 
In 2004 it was 34,433
In 2013 it was 171,085. 
In 2018 it was 306,655.

Yep, something's up!

The scam works like this: You hire a Montana law firm to form a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) for you. You own the LLC outright. Your exotic or expensive car or RV is purchased by your LLC. The LLC registers and plates the vehicle in Montana. You pay no sales or use tax and then bring your car to whatever state you live in and drive the vehicle with tax-free impunity. The only downside is that you have to put an ugly Montana plate on your vehicle. But hey - you saved thousands of dollars!

[oldbike54]

In 1997 Montana had  17,978 registered motorcyles. 
In 2004 it was 34,433
In 2013 it was 171,085. 
In 2018 it was 306,655.

Yep, something's up!

The scam works like this: You hire a Montana law firm to form a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) for you. You own the LLC outright. Your exotic or expensive car or RV is purchased by your LLC. The LLC registers and plates the vehicle in Montana. You pay no sales or use tax and then bring your car to whatever state you live in and drive the vehicle with tax-free impunity. The only downside is that you have to put an ugly Montana plate on your vehicle. But hey - you saved thousands of dollars!

 Interesting , does this also mean you need a Montana DL ? Sounds like a way to create suspicion .

 Dusty

[drdwb]

And what about insurance, does the bike or car also get insurance from the state it’s registered in? I think the officer who pulls you over for whatever might wonder about your bike and insurance being different than your home address.

[Rough Edge racing]

 Maybe some one said this?  NY for example has mores bike than Texas with 1/3 the fatalities.. Most of NY has a long winter with bikes parked while many in Texas may ride most of the winter...Riders in warm states might be less likely to wear protection, especially leather...Some states don't have helmet laws......Is any of this factored in?

[Dilliw]

And what about insurance, does the bike or car also get insurance from the state it’s registered in? I think the officer who pulls you over for whatever might wonder about your bike and insurance being different than your home address.

Our son has kept his SC tag in Connecticut for 3 years now but other states aren't as generous.  According to this article your "agent" for your LLC in Montana will know which company to insure with.

https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/heres-why-so-many-exotic-cars-have-montana-license-256721

[kirby1923]

I'm afraid the Montana data is  bogus. My family has a bit of property in Montana and its is common for people to get an LLC in MT to beat the cost of registration of MCs which after 15 years? you don't have to pay any registration fees and the tags become permanent.

Also the cost of registration of RVs is very low compared to states like CA. easy to hire a company  to set up an LLC.

 Cost is about $100 a year to maintain an LLC and adress in Montana.

So the registration # for rec vehicles is inflated 'cause most are never in MT.

There are most likely many other factors that render this study off by a large amount..

SD is another state that is used for the same purpose.

More than one way to skin a cat....

:-)

[wolfeguitars]

Numbers for my state Florida are increased cuz we ride 12 months AND host 2 ginormous drunken multi-week events in Daytona- Bike week & Biketoberfest. Most attendees drink non-stop & ride from bar to bar. The medical professionals refer to it as "Organ Donor week".

[Johncolleary]

I find it amazing that when I go riding if I stop somewhere for an Iced Tea all of the bikers sitting guzzling beer and then sharing the road with me.  I just shake my head and wonder how they make it home.