Kansas motorcycle fatalities on the rise

The Wichita Eagle studied crash data from 2001 to 2006 and found, surprise, surprise, that fatalities and serious injuries amongst motorcyclists are on the rise. Unfortunately, at 14% of all highway fatalities of motorcyclists, Kansas is well ahead of the 11% national average.

Also, no surprise here, is that among 2417 crashes involving any other vehicle 67.4% of the time the motorcycle was not at fault. In crashes involving cars, the car driver was at fault 61% of the time. Interestingly, pickups were only at fault 46.4% and "other" 45.7%. (Unfortunately, I can't get their numbers to add up, which is the frustrating aspect of these sort of articles).

Here is a companion piece by the AP that summarizes the first story.

Fortunately, a helmet law isn't promoted as the solution, yet.

Not making light of it, but with the big increase in bikes on the road,,, at least in my neck of the woods it is bound to happen. Here is Maine people seem to pay a lot more attention to bikes for some reason. The only time I have had a problem was when I was cut off by a guy for New York State.
Maine also makes you take a one day course to get your permit to begin with. They actually do teach you things that you never think of as you are riding.
Ride safe out there guys.