The number of fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes declined markedly both nationally and in New York state in the first part of 2013, according to the latest data from the Governors Highway Safety Association.
That’s the good news. The bad news is we aren’t likely to see that trend continue, at least over the next year or so.
Manhattan motorcycle accident attorneys note that for the first nine months of the year, there were 156 motorcycle-related fatalities in the state in 2012. Compare that to the first nine months of 2013, when there were 146 fatalities. That represents a decline of 6 percent.
Year-end figures aren’t yet available for 2013, but we know in all of 2012 there were a total of 173 motorcycle deaths in New York. There were also 1,180 crashes that resulted in serious injuries and another 1,545 that resulted in moderate injuries, according to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
Nationally, the number of motorcycle deaths from January through September went from 3,760 in 2011 up to 4,046 in 2012 and then back down to 3,753 in 2013.
Analysts postulate that the primary reason for this pendulum swing has to do with the weather. In 2011, the weather was fairly average. However, 2012 was one of the hottest and driest on record. Temperatures in New York reached a record 116 degree Fahrenheit that year. Although 2013 temperatures in New York were slightly above-normal in 2013, they weren’t anywhere near what they were in 2012.
In addition to a long, hot summer, the winter was relatively mild. That led to an increase in motorcycle riders. More riders means more crashes, especially because other motorists continue to be careless when it comes to anyone on two-wheels.
Just recently, it was reported that a 28-year-old dirt bike rider in Harlem was killed following a hit-and-run. Witnesses say the man was first struck by a Dodge Durango, which knocked him into the path of a delivery truck while riding near the intersection of Third Avenue and East 105th Street. The driver of the Durango did not remain at the scene. The rider left behind two children.
As May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, we urge all drivers to take heed, particularly in May and June as motorcyclists begin to emerge more frequently. We may not be used to seeing them, but we must all pay attention. Federal highway safety officials recommend:
- Always allowing motorcyclists to have the full lane of width.
- Routinely check for motorcyclists in your mirrors and blind spots prior to leaving or entering a lane of traffic and also at intersections.
- Don’t tailgate. This is a good rule in general, but especially when it comes to motorcyclists, who may require more distance to maneuver or stop in the event of an emergency.
- Pay attention.
- Drive sober.
The Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC offers free consultations. Call 1-877-313-7673.
Additional Resources:
Motorcyclist Fatalities By State, 2013 Preliminary Data, May 2014, Governors Highway Safety Association
More Blog Entries:
Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Manhattan Illustrates Risks, April 26, 2014, Manhattan Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog
