Motorcycling can be risky.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

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Motorcycle sales increased 30 percent from 2001 to 2007. A rise in injuries and fatalities, unfortunately, has followed the increased popularity of riding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,154 motorcyclists were killed and 103,000 motorcyclists were injured in 2007. More motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2007 than in any year since the agency began collecting data in 1975.

NHTSA estimates helmets saved 1,784 motorcyclists' lives in 2007. Currently, 20 states and the District of Columbia require all motorcyclists to wear helmets. In 27 states, laws require only some motorcyclists usually riders under age 21 or 18--to wear them. Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire do not have motorcycle helmet laws, although Illinois and Maine have introduced universal...