fI.I
Claybrook
(Continuedfrom pag e 14)
NHTSA data find s t hei r results instead strong ly in suPPOrt of rid er
training , st ric ter licens ing for moto rcyclists , and m ethods of making auto
drivers more aware of the presence of
motorcycles on th e nation's highways.
In short , while NHTSA contin ues to
emphasize a single aspect of injury and
fatality reduction - mandatory' helmet
laws - the agency has failed to
acknowledge the data supporting effective methods for accident prevention .
Work on the four NHTSA repeal
studies was begun after two states
(Kansas , Oklahoma) had repealed
laws. and after two others had set a
later date for repeal (Colorado. South
Dakota) . The California study
examined 899 motorcycle accidents in
depth over a period of almost two
years . " On ly a brief overview of. .. significant findings " was presented at the
press conference.
The release of the studies by th e
NHTSA and the conclusions reached
strongly suggest that (1 j the studies
were undertaken by the NHTSA with
a precon ceived outcome ; (2) the
results of t he studies as described by
Claybrook point to. a very selective use
of data with complete disregard for
conflicting information ; and (3) th e
final inju ry countermea sure recom mendation
