Motorcycle deaths drop in 2013

People aged between 40 and 64 years old remain the most vulnerable group of motorcyclists on Australian roads, according to the latest summary of road deaths in Australia provided by the national Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics.

The latest report shows that 84 riders in the 40-64 age bracket lost their lives on Australian roads in 2013, followed by 26-39 (64), 17-25 (38), 65-74 (17), over 75 (six) and 0-16 (four).

That’s a total of 213 deaths, which is 4.5 per cent lower than 2012 (223) and the third lowest total in the last 10 years. Two hundred of those deaths were male riders, and 13 female.

At a broader level, national annual fatalities have decreased by 25 per cent over the last decade. The decline in fatalities was weaker during the first half of the decade (nine per cent) but accelerated to 17 per cent over the last five years.

All jurisdictions achieved reductions in the annual fatality rate per population over the decade. The strongest falls were seen in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. The trends are not uniform, but with the exception of Queensland and Tasmania, all jurisdictions have seen rates fall significantly over the last three years.

The 65 years and over age group has the highest rate of annual fatalities per population. It accounts for 14 per cent of the population but 23 per cent of fatalities. The 17-25 years age group also has a significantly higher than average rate.

Motorcyclist fatalities now account for 18 per cent of fatalities, up from 12 per cent 10 years ago.

To view the full report, click here.