Believe it or not, but the odds of you knowing someone who has been injured or killed from a motorcycle accident is exceptionally high.
Why?
Because according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there are over 4,000 motorcycle fatalities each year and over 88,000 thousand motorcycle riders / passengers were injured in 2015. Unfortunately, these statistics don’t leave much room for you to not know someone personally, or through someone else, who has been affected by such tragedy.
The tragedies are felt all over the United States and show no signs of stopping. The GHSA released a projected study in July, 2016, that found that there would be an 8% increase motor vehicle fatalities in the coming year. This projected statistic isn’t good news for anyone; whether you are inside a car or you’re a rider.
Motorcycle Helmets Save Lives
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However, since this month is Motorcycle Awareness and Safety month, we will stay focused on the specific topic. After knowing this type of information, many riders could only hope states would become more firm with their specific motorcycle laws. Unfortunately, those states that do not have universal helmet laws have 7 times as many motorcyclists killed because they were not wearing a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 1,630 riders’ lives were saved in 2013 because they placed a simple “bucket” on their head. However, an additional 715 could have been saved if they had made the same decision.
Motorcycle License vs. Motorcycle Permit
While helmet usage and laws is a common subject in the motorcycle world, many aren’t aware of the licensing issues. The same study found that 25% of riders involved in fatal crashes in 2013 were operating their vehicle without a valid motorcycle license at the time of the motorcycle accident.
DUI Motorcycle Accidents
And lastly, the topics of impaired riding and speeding are ones that we can never ignore. It is crazy to think that anyone would drive a vehicle under the influence – but they do. Likewise, it is crazy to think that anyone would ride a motorcycle under the influence – but they do. In 2013, an estimated 4,399 motorcyclists were killed in motorcycle traffic accidents and of those, 1,232 under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, many of these accidents involving alcohol also involve the driver speeding. A staggering 34% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding! No matter what type of vehicle you have, alcohol and speed do not mix.
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The statistics are frightening. The roadways can be even more frightening. We just ask that motorcyclists ride with caution and that other drivers keep an eye and an ear out for riders. At Kaine Law, we have represented countless victims of motorcycle accidents. We are committed in providing the best legal advice and outcomes for our clients, especially during tragic situations like a motorcycle accident. Please don’t hesitate to call us or visit us for more information.
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