CHRIS APONICK / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Sunday, November 28, 2004 6:00 pm
More bikes, more riders and a longer driving season help explain why fatal motorcycle accidents have more than doubled this year in Nebraska.
As of Monday, the state had recorded 21 fatal motorcycle accidents, said Fred Zwonechek, director of the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety. The number represents a 62 percent increase over the 13 such accidents in all of 2003.
Statewide figures have jumped even higher since 2000, when only three fatal motorcycle accidents occurred. In 2001, there were 12 such accidents; 15 occurred in 2002.
Three fatal motorcycle accidents resulting in four deaths have occurred in Lincoln so far this year, according to Lincoln police. That number matches the fatal motorcycle accident total in the city for 2003.
Several factors likely play a role in the increase, Zwonechek said, including:
n A 24 percent increase from 2001 to 2004 in the number of motorcycle licenses granted.
n A 27 percent increase from 2001 to 2004 in the number of motorcycles registered.
n Warm weather that has extended the riding season into the winter months.
Motorcycling is a risky venture, Zwonechek said. It's easy to get separated from the bike, and there's little protection in case of a crash.
"By nature, it's a bit more dangerous," he said.
About one out of every 2,800 motorcycle riders died in 2003 accidents. In comparison, one out of every 7,400 car, truck and sport utility vehicle drivers died in the same year, Zwonechek said.
Lack of motorcycle awareness by other motorists also has added to the danger, said Dave Fischer, owner of Frontier Harley Davidson, 2801 N. 27th St.
"We've got to address the car drivers that are just careless," he said, adding that the number of deaths is unacceptable.
Zwonechek said motorcyclists need to make sure they are easy to see on the road. And car drivers should take extra care when making left turns.
Motorcyclist Roger Uttecht said he's seen car drivers turn corners and come "close enough where I could knock on their windows."
The make-up of riders killed this year has been a bit unusual, Zwonechek said.
Most have been experienced riders older than 40. The accidents generally have occurred between 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., he said.
Despite the current spike in fatalities, Zwonechek said it could be worse.
In 1987, when a similar number of motorcycles were registered, 31 motorcycle fatalities were reported.
In 1985, when a similar number of motorcycle licenses were granted, 28 fatalities occurred.
Reach Chris Aponick at 473-7120 or caponick@journalstar.com.