Why Are Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise?
Despite an anticipated drop in motorcyclist fatalities, there was instead an unprecedented spike in deaths from motorcycle crashes in 2015 when 4,868 riders lost their lives, which is an almost 10 percent increase over the previous year’ death rate. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that this is the third time in history that this many motorcyclists have died in traffic crashes, and they attribute the higher number of deaths to an increase in states permitting motorcyclists to ride without a helmet, a surge in motorcycle ownership and even higher rates of riding while impaired.
According to a story in Consumer Reports, there are only 19 states and the District of Columbia which require all riders to wear a helmet. There are 28 states which require helmet use for riders younger than age 18 or 21 and three states with no helmet requirement. In states with a universal helmet requirement, the helmet use rate was 89% compared with just 48% in all other states. (NHTSA study) Michigan repealed its helmet laws in 2012 and saw a 23% increase in motorcyclist fatalities in 2015. The NHTSA reports that wearing a helmet decreases the risk of dying in a motorcycle crash by 37%.
Alcohol-related traffic crashes increased by 3.2% from 2014 to 2015, but there was a decrease overall of -0.4% in alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities for motorcyclists in 2015 as compared to 2014.
Motorcyclist deaths were 26 times more frequent than fatalities in other motor vehicles according to NHTSA crash data. Motorcyclists can make themselves as visible as possible on the road, always wear a helmet and always ride sober. Other motorists can be more alert and on the lookout for motorcycles on the roadways.
Consumer Reports notes a favorable trend that might serve as a silver lining in the cloud of dismal news about motorcycle fatalities, and that is antilock brakes on motorcycles help to give riders more control when they are forced to panic stop their bikes. With traditional brakes, hard stops can cause the motorcycle’s wheels to lock up and spill the bike over. Antilock brakes help the rider brake to a safer stop.
Motorcycle riders who suffer injuries in a crash caused by the negligence of another motorist may be able to take legal action and recover compensation for their losses. Working with an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorney can increase your odds of obtaining a fair settlement. We are here to help.
You are encouraged to call Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers 312-600-9585 or fill out our contact form today, when you are pursuing compensation after the injuries you have suffered in a Chicagoland area motorcycle accident.
Attorney Neal Gainsberg has spent the last 20+ years fighting to protect the rights of the injured in Chicago and throughout Illinois. For dedicated legal help with a personal injury, car accident, or wrongful death matter, contact Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers in Chicago for a free consultation.