Over 5200 fatalities from motorcycle crashes across United States as recently as 2008. Of these fatal motorcycle accidents at least thirty percent-involved alcohol and a whopping 59% were NOT wearing helmets.
It is equally distressing to note that thirty five percent of fatal motorcycle accidents were speeding and younger motorcycle riders accounted for more deaths than those in the over forty category.
Finally, a disproportionate number of motorcycle fatalities occur with unlicensed motorcycle riders who did not have a motorcycle permit and, in addition, poor road conditions can affect a motorcycle rider's safety to a much greater extent than other vehicle drivers.
It should come as no surprise that these statistics mirror those of vehicle collisions with the exception of the lack of helmets and accidents caused my potholes in roads.
Drunk and distracted driving is the main culprits of vehicle and motorcycle collisions and requires continued conversations about preventive safety measures that have life saving potential.
Several of the most common defensive driving suggestions for motorcycle riders are:
First, wear a helmet. The majority of debilitating injuries and fatalities can be traced to head trauma as a result of motorcycle accidents.
Secondly, where as vehicle drivers have a tendency to drive distracted and cause accidents - the motorcycle rider has a greater potential of becoming a statistic of distracted driving.
Be vigilant of drivers around you who do not appear to be paying attention.
The automobile offers some physical safety to the car accident victim whereas the motorcycle driver has no restraints.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston motorcycle accident attorney and the founder of the Houston personal injury law firm bearing his name.
