CDC: More Adults Dying in Alcohol-Related Motorcycle Crashes

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report finds an increasing number of motorcyclists aged 40-44 dying in alcohol-related crashes, the Associated Press reported Dec. 2.

According to the CDC report, the rate of older adults who have died in alcohol-related motorcycle crashes increased from 1.2 per 100,000 population in 1983 to 1.9 in 2003. Previously, the highest rate of death among alcohol-impaired motorcycle drivers was among the 20-24 year age group. However, that age group has seen a decline in alcohol-related motorcycle crashes.

The CDC attributes the shift to more adults in the 40-44 age group riding motorcycles. The increase in alcohol-related crashes may be a result of drivers drinking before riding a motorcycle or participating in weekend road trips that include drinking.

To address the issue, the CDC recommended sobriety checkpoints, greater enforcement of driving-under-the-influence laws, and programs in restaurants and bars to reduce drinking and driving.

Source: www.jointogether.org