Sharp Increase in County Deaths of Motorcyclists

Motorcyclist deaths in Los Angeles County rose 67% between 1999 and 2003, and hospitalizations are also on the rise, the county’s Department of Heath Services reported last week.

The increases follow a large drop in fatalities and serious injuries after a universal helmet law took effect in the state in 1992. Local health experts said that though the numbers of deaths and hospitalizations had not yet reached pre-1992 levels, the upward trend is alarming.

“You’re talking about fairly sizable numbers. Putting aside the personal tragedy and the human suffering, consider the healthcare costs,” said Dr. Paul Simon, the director of health assessments and epidemiology for Los Angeles County, who looked at local motorcycle statistics after the high-profile crash last week of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

In L.A. County, motorcycle deaths rose from 43 in 1999 to 72 in 2003, the most recent year for which data was available. Hospitalizations jumped 56%, from 555 to 866.

The statistics echo statewide and national numbers.

Rae Tyson, spokesman for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said explaining the dismal statistics is difficult. It’s been more than 20 years since the group last conducted a study of motorcycle accident causes, he said.

Several states have weakened helmet laws in recent years, but, Tyson said, “I don’t think anyone, quite frankly, can answer why we’re seeing these increases with any degree of certainty.”

Local health experts offered several theories for the county’s accident climb, including a possible drop in helmet use and more SUVs on the road.

“People in these larger cars may have a harder time seeing these motorcycles,” said Dr. Fred Bongard, a trauma surgeon at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, adding that a collision with an SUV as opposed to a smaller car could lead to more serious injuries.

Increasing ridership by older, inexperienced riders may also play a role, said USC professor emeritus Harry Hurt, who was the principal investigator on the safety administration’s last study.

Tyson said motorcycle enthusiasts should remember that protective gear and common sense go a long way in protecting riders.

“It’s just like with any form of recreational activity. You need to go into it with your eyes wide open about what the risks are, and do what you can to minimize those risks.”