Fatal Motorcycle Crashes

This interesting bit from the UK's The Motor Cycling Club current newsletter:

"FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASHES:   Higher Risk Of Under A Full Moon:   A report in the British Medical Journal pulls together 40 years of data on motorcycle deaths across the US, and has found that the risk of having a fatal crash is higher under a full moon.   There were 494 full moons between the start of 1975 and the end of 2014, with 4,494 fatal crashes between the late afternoon and the next morning on those days.   The results reveal that on average 9.1 crashes took place on nights with a full moon, compared to just over 8.6 when the moon was not full, which translates into a 5% greater risk of crashing.   The result held regardless of factors including the time of year and decade as well as the motorcyclist’s age, engine size, and whether or not they used a helmet.   The effects of supermoons appeared even greater, with a 22% higher risk compared with a regular full moon.   Commenting on the study, David Spiegelhalter, Winton professor for the public understanding of risk at Cambridge University, said; “The typical fatality is a middle-aged man having a head-on collision on a big bike in the country while not wearing a helmet,” he said. “5% more bikers get killed on full-moon nights, and the authors suggest this may be because of distraction.   But maybe it’s simply because 5% more of these idiotic ageing juveniles go for a spin on a nice bright night?”   Food for thought as we LDT competitors make our way through the night, though, being idiotic ageing juveniles possibly gives us some street cred.   More details at motorcycle-crashes-full-moon"

I note although a British report it is in the USA that these incidents seem to be. Inthe UK if there is a full moon it usually means a clear night in winter, not a time we would be out riding. We also have a law that all riders must wear a helmet on motorcycles (Scooters).

I remember reading a similar report a few years ago regarding fatal crashes involving same idiotic ageing juveniles. They ride to bikers taverns out in the sticks, drink heavily from afternoon to evening, then think they're sober and competent enough to ride back home.

Hmm, there are many things in this galaxy/universe that we don't know about.

One thing is for sure, though. Regardless of age, if you drink and drive/ride, and worse yet, ride without a helmet, you're asking for serious trouble, especially if at night.

Just my two cents worth...

Another 2 cents, about the same booze, curves, tennis shoes and no helmet = rolling hamburger

Dunno about full moons, but I do remember my mother telling me repeatedly that if I kept riding mo'bikes & scooters I'd not live to see my 21st birthday, I'm still here & looking to 44 years beyond her prediction. Looking ahead & predicting the actions of other road users is what has kept me alive

Be double careful on a BLUE moon. Once in a blue moon. Doesn't happen often.

2 full moons in same month. We have this in JAN. 2018. Don't go riding.

Some say the full moon affects peoples mood. I believe this is true.
I feel better under a full moon. :Happy Holiday:

One thing I NEVER do is to even look at any alcohol when I'm either going to drive or ride. It's just not worth it. Not to mention the expense when you get caught, if you live through it.

I never drink alcohol. A beer or ale now and then, but alcohol? Never. the way that stuff stings when you put it on a scratch? No way would I drink it.