U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for May 9

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

MONDAY, MAY 9: MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

Profile America — Monday, May 9th.  It's said that there are few things as exhilarating as riding a motorcycle, with its sense of unencumbered freedom and the feel that the vehicle is an extension of the rider.  With the summer season starting, more and more riders will take to the road.  There are 7.7 million motorcycles in the U.S., compared to 248 million cars and trucks.  That lopsided ratio is one reason this is Motorcycle Safety Month, with programs teaching riders that many accidents are caused when car drivers don't see them or see them too late.  Accidents result in the deaths of nearly 5,300 motorcycle riders yearly, approaching twice the number of fatalities in 2000.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2011, p. 250

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2011, t. 1095, 1097, 1102

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau