Motorcycle Collisions Can Be Deadly

The most recent motorcycle accident statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration paint a grim picture. The number of motorcycle collisions that occur in the United States each year is on the rise as are the number of fatalities. It was reported that 4,612 motorcyclists died in 2011 in motorcycle accidents. This is a 2 percent increase from the number of fatalities reported in 2010. Furthermore, there are a shocking number of injuries reported each year from motorcycle accidents. In fact, nearly 1.2 million people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for motorcycle-related injuries between the years of 2001 and 2008.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Of all of the common causes of fatal motorcycle collisions, the most common was speeding. In fact, 35 percent of motorcycle deaths were listed as a direct result of the motorcyclist’s excessive speed. Other significant statistics related to the common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents include:

• 49 percent were the result of a collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle
• Only 6 percent were caused by a motorcycle being hit from behind
• 38 percent resulted when another car turned left in front of the motorcyclist
• 42 percent of fatalities from single vehicle accidents were the result of motorcyclists who drove while intoxicated

Obviously, motorcyclists would be well served to understand these common causes of motorcycle accidents so that they could do everything in their power to avoid becoming another statistic.

Important Safety Tips

First and foremost, the most important thing a motorcycle rider can do to protect themselves is to always wear a helmet when riding. The best helmets to choose are those approved by the Department of Transportation. Additional motorcycle safety tips include:

• Wear protective clothing
• Avoid tailgating
• Wear reflective or bright clothing
• Don’t speed
• Use extra caution when driving on slippery surfaces or on gravel
• Never drink and drive

Unfortunately, however, there is only so much a motorcycle rider can do to prevent an accident. They must also share the road with other drivers who often fail to look for motorcyclists or who drive while impaired or distracted. In these situations, many motorcyclists and their families turn to a qualified motorcycle accident attorney to help them navigate their path to full physical or financial recovery. To make an appointment for a FREE consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney at Sloat & Nicholson, P.C., call 303-447-1144 now.