Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating. Unlike in a passenger car, you can feel temperature changes, smell things around you, and feel your speed. Unfortunately, riders are vulnerable to injury and death in crashes. In fact, early data for 2015 shows a substantial increase nationwide in motorcycle deaths.
If early projections are correct, 2015 will be the third time in the history of our nation that motorcycle deaths exceeded 5,000. This is an increase of over 10% from 2014. The annual forecast is completed every year by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
Motorcyclists are far more likely to be killed in crashes than occupants of passenger vehicles. In fact, the GHSA reports that motorcycle fatality rates in 2013 were 26 times higher than passenger vehicle fatalities.
California lost an estimated 489 motorcycle riders in 2015. In number, California was second only to Florida. Fortunately, the new numbers show a decrease of 7% in motorcycle deaths in California from 2014 to 2015. Of course, both states contain large populations and are blessed with a significant amount of temperate weather.
Factors often associated with higher numbers of motorcycle deaths include the following:
• unusually warm and dry weather;
• economic recovery; and
• lower gasoline prices.
To reduce the likelihood of an accident and the severity of an accident, riders can take the following measures:
• Make it easier for drivers to see you by wearing brightly colored clothing.
• Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits.
• Do not ride impaired.
• Buy bikes with advanced safety features, such as antilock brakes.
• Always comply with California’s motorcycle helmet law.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the California motorcycle accident lawyers at Alexander Law Group, LLP for a free, no obligation consultation. Call 888.777.1776 to speak with an attorney right now.
