Motorcycle Deaths Declining in Idaho

A study by the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that the number of motorcycle deaths dropped in Idaho last year, but remained consistent nationwide.

Idaho Transportation Department analyst Steve Rich told The Times-News that there were 17 motorcycle deaths in 2011, compared to 28 in 2010. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association found that motorcycle deaths remained at about 4,500 nationwide.

Stacy Axmaker, director of the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program, says the drop suggests that efforts in motorcyclist training, motorist awareness and an emphasis on riding sober are working.

The program offers skill training for riders of all levels. Axmaker says men older than 40 riding cruisers and touring bikes are more likely to be in crashes than young riders on sport bikes.