Motorcycle Fatalities On The Rise In New York State

ALBANY — Deaths from motorcycle crashes are up more than 17 percent compared to last year, according to the Institute For Traffic Safety Management and Research.

At this time last year, state officials tracked and reported 73 motorcycle-related deaths, compared to 86 thus far this year.

Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than people in passenger cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which also reports that despite representing only 3 percent of all registered motor vehicles, motorcyclists account for 14 percent of all traffic-related fatalities nationwide.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo warned of a spike in motorcycle fatalities as reported by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and urged drivers and motorcyclists to use caution as the busy holiday travel begins. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, preliminary data shows that as of August 15, 2020, deaths from motorcycle crashes are up more than 17 percent compared to the same period in 2019.

“Danger does not take a holiday and with increased traffic on the road this Labor Day weekend, we all have a responsibility to exercise good judgment and caution,” Cuomo said. “New York State will continue to crack down on dangerous driving behavior because the safety of all drivers and passengers will always be a top priority for us.”

Mark J.F. Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, said, “The motorcycle riding season is winding down and with nice weather predicted for this long holiday weekend, we expect more traffic and more riders on the roads, so I am urging everyone to be responsible, pay attention, and slow down. We all play a part in keeping one another safe on our roads and it is up to every driver and rider to stop this alarming trend in motorcycle fatalities from continuing.”