Citation

Wilson FA, Stimpson JP, Hilsenrath PE. Am. J. Public Health 2009; Earth Day(Earth Day): Earth Day.

Affiliation

University of North Texas Health Science Center.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2009.159590

PMID

19696374

PMCID

PMC2741504

Abstract

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young adults. Although automobile fatalities have declined in recent years, motorcycle fatalities are rapidly increasing. The purpose of our research was to quantify the relationship between changing fuel prices and motorcycle fatalities. Our findings suggest that people increasingly rely on motorcycles to reduce their fuel costs in response to rising gasoline prices. We estimate that use of motorcycles and scooters instead of 4-wheeled vehicles results in over 1500 additional motorcycle fatalities annually for each dollar increase in gas prices. Motorcycle safety should receive more attention as a leading public health issue.

Language: en