May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month

Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating for millions of people; nothing really compares to the open road experience of a motorcycle ride.  For many, speed and risk are no doubt part of the attraction! Unfortunately, motorcycle riders are at a much greater risk for accidents and severe injury.  Whether you prefer to drive two wheels or four, each and every driver is equally responsible for highway and byway safety.

In 2015 alone, more than 88,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in the US.  Sadly, of those injured, 5,000 lost their lives!  Motorcycles account for a small fraction of registered vehicles, but account for over 14% of accident fatalities… this is a staggering number!

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle use has increased about 3% from 2006 to 2015, partially as a result of increased traffic, gas costs and accessibility.  Unfortunately, this increase is associated with an increase in injury and death!

Riders must adhere to posted speeds, use of helmet/eye protection and accurate operation is essential.  Drive defensively, be cautious, and drive sober! Over 30% of deaths in 2014 were drunk driving related.  Unsafe speeds accounted for another 30%. Age is a factor as well - riders over age 50 accounted for 35% of all fatalities in 2015.

For automobile and truck drivers, do as the sign says – look twice to save a life! Motorcycles can be obscured from site by another vehicle or by blind spot.   Change lanes carefully and don’t speed or drive drunk.

If you or someone you loved was injured or killed in a motorcycle related accident, call our highly experienced accident attorneys today. Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A. injury attorneys have won hundreds of millions of dollars for injured victims.