The number of vehicle fatalities for 2011 was recently released and reactions are mixed. Although vehicle fatalities have decreased, motorcycle deaths have remained the same- neither increasing or decreasing dramatically since 2010. To fully understand the accuracy of nationwide fatality rates, you have to look at how the numbers are estimated. Ultimate Motorcycling explains it well in their article “No Progress in Reducing Motorcycle Deaths”.

“The new report – the first state-by-state look at motorcycle fatalities occurring in 2011 – was authored by Dr. James Hedlund of Highway Safety North. Most states have reasonably complete fatality counts for at least the first nine months of 2011, enabling GHSA to confidently project the full year.

Comparing the first nine months of 2010 to 2011, motorcyclist fatalities decreased in twenty-three states, with notable declines in many. In Connecticut, for example, motorcycle deaths dropped 37 percent, while in New York and North Carolina they fell 16 and 21 percent, respectively. GHSA’s member in New York State is the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC).

Barbara J. Fiala, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of GTSC, says the decrease in fatal motorcycle crashes in that state is due to a mix of countermeasures focusing on enforcement, education and engineering.” (www.ultimatemotorcycling.com) or click here for a link to the specific article.

So, why the pessimistic outlook if the numbers are improving in individual states? Twenty-six additional states reported dramatic increases in the rate of motorcycle fatalities- resulting in a plateau of fatalities, no overall improvement and no overall increase. There are many theories behind the numbers and ways in which states can influence the rate of fatalities. Education, for both motorcyclists and car drivers,  is still the key in most fatality reducing efforts. Whether you’re in a car or riding your bike, each driver sharing the road has a responsibility to those around them. Even the most seasoned riders are brushing up on techniques in continued education programs. Safety precautions are also being examined. There is controversy around current helmet laws- Michigan recently repealed their law requiring the use of helmets. Governor Snyder decided to repeal the bill citing freedom of choice and the increase in tourism that may result by being a helmet free state. However, there are several other strings attached to this decision. Motorcyclists driving without a helmet must be at least 21 years old and have passed a safety course no more than two years ago. They must also carry an additional $20,000   in medical insurance if going helmet free. Many health groups are enraged by Governor Snyder’s decision, saying the increase in tourism revenue is not worth the potentially life changing damage that could occur. Michigan is the 31st state to provide this option to riders. Where do you stand on this issue? Should it be left up to the drivers or does the increase in health care costs prove to be too high a price to pay? Give us your opinion- leave a comment!

If you haven’t already heard about this amazing story, here’s what happened:

Canadian, Peter Mark, found a cargo van container washed ashore on remote Graham Island’s beach in British Columbia last April. Among other things, the contents of this weathered container included a 2004 Softtail Night Train motorcycle. Over the course of a year, the container had drifted over 4,000 miles after being swept away during the devastating tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011. The Japanese license plate was still attached to the bike and authorities were able to get in contact with (29 year old) owner Ikuo Yokoyama. Many individuals attempted to come together to restore and return the bike, but Yokoyama declined the offer. Instead, he requested the bike be held at the Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee, WI) in memory of over 15,000 lives lost during the tsunami.

“It is truly amazing that my Harley-Davidson motorcycle was recovered in Canada after drifting for more than a year,” said Yokoyama. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to Peter Mark, the finder of my motorcycle. Due to circumstances caused by the disaster, I have been so far unable to visit him in Canada to convey my gratitude.

“Since the motorcycle was recovered, I have discussed with many people about what to do with it. I would be delighted if it could be preserved in its current condition and exhibited to the many visitors to the Harley-Davidson Museum as a memorial to a tragedy that claimed thousands of lives. I am very grateful to Harley-Davidson for offering me an opportunity to visit the museum, and I would like to do that when things have calmed down. At the same time, I would like to meet Peter, who recovered my motorcycle, to express my gratitude. Finally, I would like to thank all people around the world once again for their wholehearted support of the areas hit by the earthquake and Tsunami. I would like to ask them to help convey messages from the Japanese people about the tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which was a disaster of historic proportions.” ( As reported by http://www.usridernews.com)

Being so far away from the disaster of the tsunami and having nothing to relate the sheer devastation of 15,000 lives lost to, I found it hard to imagine what it was and is like for the survivors in Japan. Seeing this beat up bike gives you a glimpse of the destruction that thousands were dealing with after the initial event. I feel for Yokoyama and am so impressed by his desire to give the museum a piece of history. According to reports, he’s still living in temporary housing, as are many, and continuing to rebuild his life. If you get a chance, visit the museum in the near future and check out this bike. I’m sure it will put a lot into perspective.

The Harley-Davidson Museum is open daily from  9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. It’s located at 400 W Canal Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201. Click here for Visitor Information from their official site.

I can probably safely guess that we’re all pretty excited about the upcoming long weekend. Not only does Memorial Day grant us a slightly longer weekend, it also represents the unofficial start of summertime. It’s an excuse to get together with friends and family, eat more than we should, and bake ourselves under that sun we had been missing during the winter and spring months.  During the fun you’ll surely have this weekend, I encourage you to think about the reason behind Memorial Day. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day began as individual cities regularly honored soldiers who had paid the ultimate price. Individuals and several official groups decorated grave sites of soldiers with flower wreaths and flags. Many cities claim to have been the first to celebrate Memorial Day, which was officially proclaimed a holiday on May 5th, 1868 by General John Logan with its first observation on May 30th, 1868. To date, over a million men and women have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their country. Let’s appreciate these men and women by decorating their grave sites, thanking their families, and acknowledging the many who actively serve now or who have come home safely from battle. So much of what our military does is out of our sight; their hard work usually occurs in different lands or on bases far from home. Let’s make an effort to consciously think of them this weekend and every day.  Find ways to get involved, whether it’s with an organization serving the military and their families or simply shaking the hands of those in uniform when you pass by, honor the individuals who protect us every day.