Warmer weather means more vehicles on roads. More vehicles can mean more accidents. While any accident has the potential to cause serious injury, accidents involving motorcycles can be deadly for riders. The underlying causes of motorcycle crashes have long been an area of concern to researchers looking for solutions to the problem.
A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) discussed the issue of motorcycle accident fatalities nationwide. In 2010, there were 4,376 motorcycle fatalities, which was a two percent decrease from previous years. While it was encouraging to see the number of fatalities decrease again, officials were concerned that the drop was not as substantial as it has been in previous years. The 2009 report indicated that fatalities had dropped nearly 16 percent from the year before.
The 2010 report indicated that much of the decrease in fatalities can be attributed to the first two quarters of the year. Once the weather improved, motorcycle fatalities actually began to increase over the 2009 numbers.
With the number of accidents seeming to level off, more analysis may be necessary to determine how to address the issue in the future. One of the items that always receives attention when motorcycle crashes are examined is the use of helmets. The GHSA report indicated that there were fewer riders using helmets in 2010, and many who were equipped were using helmets that were not approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Many states still do not have helmet laws in place, which may mean more fatalities in these regions.
The GHSA also has listed other factors that may be causing motorcycle fatalities. Alcohol is a factor in many crashes, not just those involving motorcycles. Increased enforcement of drunk driving laws may remove intoxicated drivers from roadways before they cause accidents.
Proper training for both motorcyclists and motorists is another potential way to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, many drivers simply do not see motorcyclists until it is too late. Training for both motorists and motorcyclists can help explain how to best share the road.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to understand the options available. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
