July 19th 2008
It appears the story is being repeated worldwide, soaring gas prices move drivers onto two wheels and in turn, motorcycle fatalities increase substantially.
In the case of Malaysia, the increase of a 120,000 extra motorcyclists on the road in the first six months this year is being blamed for an additional 218 motorcyclist deaths during the period of January to June this year, compared to the same time last year.
Every year, some 400,000 new motorcycles are registered.
“Fatal accidents involving motorcyclists have increased for the first six months this year compared to the same period last year even though cases of serious accidents have decreased," said Malaysia's Road Safety Department Director-General.
“Among the reason why this is happening is because more road users are now using motorcycles due to the increase of petrol. People who travelled by car before are now travelling by motorcycle.”
Clutch and Chrome, FL
