Data from the Connecticut Dept. of Transportation indicate that the number of motorcycle passenger deaths increased more than 2-fold between 2006 and 2008, but dropped dramatically again by 2010. The trend had been holding steady at 2 fatalities per year between 2010 and 2012, but in 2013 dropped again to 1 motorcycle passenger fatality. DOT statistics indicate that almost two-thirds of motorcyclists who died in motorcycle crashes were not wearing helmets. The Healthy Connecticut 2020 Objective is to reduce motorcycle passenger deaths by 10%. Data last updated 6/3/2016. Next data update is expected 8/31/2020.

Potential Partners

Connecticut Department of Public Health; Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles; Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate; State Department of Education; Connecticut Judicial Branch; Connecticut Department of Transportation; Office of the Child Advocate; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other federal agencies; law enforcement; regional planning organizations; local public health agencies; health care providers including hospitals, emergency medical services, nurses, and emergency physicians; health professional associations; organizations and coalitions focused on prevention of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and child safety; and others.

Countermeasures that Work: A Highway Safety Countermeasure Guide for State Highway Safety Offices, Third Edition

Potential Strategies

Advocate for reinstatement of a helmet law for motorcycle drivers and passengers.

Expand educational awareness and public awareness of the dangers of riding a motorcycle without a helmet.