Here is a pack of data about accidents in our sport , presented without context or background information, by various neutral or biased organisations, each with their own axe to grind.

While some of the data may lead to valid information and conclusions, this sort of mostly meaningless datababble is useful to policy makers at every government and business level. It helps them justify self-serving decisions, and blow smoke up everybody’s a… while giving off an aura of true knowledge and constructive concern.

Photo: Kawasaki

It reminds me of an older study that showed that the majority of accidents happened within 25 km of your home. The conclusion from that beauty was a recommendation to drive less when close to your home! What about the incontrovertible fact that most of your actual driving also takes place within the same 25km.

And remember the often-used justifier: ”On average…” Well, if you have one foot on ice and one in boiling water, “On average” you are comfortable.

There are now plenty of serious studies about traffic accidents, like MAIDS 2009 for example, with mathematically solid conclusions. These studies are mostly ignored in the Western world as they seldom identify speed as a major cause of accidents and therefore do not place much value on repression and expensive tickets.

How do these people think these local governments will make up for their deficits?