A recently released Governors Highway Safety Association report shows that New York had one of the largest increases in fatal motorcycle accidents from 2009 to 2010.
This is discouraging considering that nationwide statistics showed an overall decrease in motorcycle fatalities in the same time period. Though the decline in 2010 was two percent, which is low compared to the 16 percent decrease in fatal motorcycle crashes seen in 2009, the numbers continue to fall, which is encouraging. During the 11 years prior to 2009, there were increases.
New York City personal injury lawyers are aware that despite a national decrease in motorcycle fatalities there was a significant increase in the number of fatal New York motorcycle accidents.
For the first 9 months of the year, the number of fatal accidents jumped from 136 in 2009 to 180 in 2010. Wisconsin and Michigan also experienced hefty increases. The data indicates that the rate of motorcycle accident fatalities tends to rise as the year progresses. This makes sense in northern states like New York where at the beginning of the year weather conditions aren’t conducive to riding a motorcycle.
Clearly, the warmer weather of the spring and summer attracts more motorcycle riders. Educating all drivers to share the road with motorcycles is another contributing factor that influences fatality rates. States’ approaches vary on the amount of campaigning officials do to encourage proper understanding by car and truck drivers and the need to respect the rights of motorcycle riders.
Members of ABATE, a motorcycle safety organization, were concerned regarding recent events in Onondaga County. There had been several motorcycle accidents in the county, some fatal. Local law enforcement chose to target bikers by pulling them over to inspect everything from helmet use to horns. ABATE members felt educating everyone to share the road better should have been the better focus than inspecting bikers machines and protective gear.
Proper licensing and training of motorcycle riders can also influence fatality rates each year. In order to get a license to operate a motorcycle, some states require more extensive safety courses than others. Fatalities declined 27 percent in Oregon after stricter licensing and safety protocols were implemented. Motorcycle riders encounter many dangers on the road. It is vital to protect yourself as best you can by obeying all traffic laws and taking an approved safety course.
Recently state leaders gathered at the Crossings Park in Colonie to share safety tips for motorcyclists and motorists, according to the Times Union.
“Motorcycling is more popular than ever,” said state Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Barbara Fiala. “With this popularity comes an increase in crashes, injuries and fatalities.”
Over the past 10 years, the number of licensed motorcycle riders in New York State has increased 28 percent, and registered vehicles have grown 76 percent. New York State has well over 655,000 licensed riders. With this many vehicles on roadways, the risks become much higher, so always keep a watchful eye for motorcycles, scooters, bicycles and other small vehicles.
New York personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose understands that being involved in a motorcycle accident in New York City or the surrounding areas requires the knowledgeable advice of an experienced legal professional. If you have been injured, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights at 1-877-313-ROSE (7673).
Additional Resources:
Advice for riders, drivers: Focus, dress right, stay back, by Tim O’Brien, Times Union
More Blog Entries:
May Raises Awareness for Motorcycle Accidents in New York and Elsewhere : May 23, 2011
Spring a Dangerous Time for New York Motorcycle Accidents : April 26, 2011
