Who is 37x more likely than drivers to be killed on the roads?
Sunny, warm weather usually means more motorcyclists on the roads. That’s why federal regulators dedicate the month of May to champion motorcycle safety, sharing facts and safety tips to help prevent motorcycle wrecks and save lives.
Whether you ride or share the road with motorcyclists, here are some of the most important things you should know for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
5 Motorcycle Accident Facts
The statistics on motorcycle accidents paint a grim picture of just how vulnerable riders can be—and just how often they are involved in serious and fatal crashes.
1. Riders are 37 times more likely to be in a deadly accident than vehicle occupants: With a smaller frame and no body surrounding riders, motorcycles leave riders out in the open, where the impact of a collision can easily throw them off bikes and cause life-threatening injuries.
2. Motorcyclists account for about 1 in 7 traffic fatalities: This stands in sharp contrast to the fact that motorcycles only make up about 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S.
3. More than 1 in 3 fatal motorcycle accidents involves riders over 50: Older riders have a far greater risk of sustaining deadly injuries when motorcycle wrecks happen. Those with the highest risk are Boomer “re-entry” riders, meaning those who are picking up riding motorcycles again after 10 or more years without having ridden, resulting in diminished skills.
4. Since 1998, motorcyclist deaths have surged by about 131%: The tragic and dramatic rise in fatal motorcycle accidents has been attributed to several factors, including more traffic on the roads and the rise of distracted driving in the age of personal digital devices.
5. Helmets reduce the risk of rider death by at least 37%: Wearing a helmet is the single most effective thing riders can do to protect themselves if a crash ever does happen. Notably, Colorado law only requires riders under the age of 18 to wear helmets.
5 Motorcycle Safety Tips
As scary as motorcycle accident statistics may be, riders and drivers can do plenty to stay safe on the roads and minimize the chances of a collision. Here are a handful of safety tips for riders:
1. Be alert to potential road hazards: Things like potholes, debris in the road, oil slicks, and even grass clippings can be big hazards to riders. In fact, these and other factors can cause riders to lose control of their motorcycles, sharply raising crash risks. Keeping an eye out for these types of hazards can help you safely avoid them.
2. Stay where you can be seen: Avoid blind spots whenever possible. Keep your distance from other vehicles in traffic.
3. Ride sober and stay alert: Never ride after drinking. Alcohol impairment is a factor in about 37% of deadly motorcycle accidents, and it’s 100% preventable.
4. Ride defensively: Assume that others on the road don’t see you and aren’t looking out for you. This can help you remember to wait extra time at intersections and generally be responsive to your driving environment and the constantly changing traffic conditions.
5. Wear safety gear: Goggles, helmets, reflective clothing, boots, and durable clothing can go a long way to protect riders from the elements and the impacts of a collision. Gearing up before you ride is always a smart way to stay safe on the roads.
If you don’t ride—or if you’re behind the wheel, instead of riding—driving defensively, complying with traffic laws, and looking out for riders are some of the best ways to avoid a motorcycle wreck.
Taking these simple steps can keep you safe on Colorado roads, no matter what type of vehicle you may be operating. Still, accidents can happen, even if you are taking all the right steps. If or when they do, you can turn to the experienced motor vehicle accident lawyers at Bell & Pollock, P.C. We are proud to be champions for traffic accident survivors, and we are highly skilled at developing the best Legal Game Plan™ when it’s time to recover.
From our offices conveniently located in Denver and Steamboat Springs, our lawyers provide the highest quality legal services to people throughout the Denver metro area, Arapahoe County, Routt County, and the state of Colorado.
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1 Statistics sourced from the National Safety Council & EHS Today
Now a Word from Gary Bell
By Gary Bell of Bell & Pollock Injury Attorneys
After an auto accident, motorists can be severely injured, left to deal with physical, psychological, and financial impacts. They can also have lots of questions about their rights, who’s to blame for their wreck, and the options for recovery.
The facts below shed some light on the answers victims need when it’s time to pursue auto accident claims and lawsuits after serious collisions.
1. There are strict deadlines for filing auto accident cases in Colorado: The law gives you three (3) years from the date of your wreck (or the date on which your injuries are discovered) to file a claim and seek compensation. There can be some exceptions to this. Still, if the statute of limitations for an auto accident claim expires, the options for financial recovery can disappear.
2. More than one party can be liable for an auto wreck: Depending on the causes of a crash, multiple parties may share the blame. In these circumstances, victims may be able to file a claim against each party. Although these cases can be more complex, they may result in greater recoveries, especially if corporate negligence is involved.
3. Insurance companies are not looking out for accident victims: Don’t trust them to handle an auto accident claim fairly or to offer what you may truly deserve. Insurance companies are looking out for their profits, and they are not above going to extreme lengths to avoid paying victims.
4. Wrongful death claims or survival actions may be filed after fatal crashes: Surviving loved ones (or a decedent’s estate) may file a claim on behalf of the victim. While these claims won’t bring back a loved one, they can be pivotal to getting some justice, as well as financial awards to cover burial and funeral costs, pain, suffering, and more.
5. The right attorney can be key to the success of an auto accident case: An auto accident lawyer can guide victims at every step, helping them present strong cases, stand up to opponents, and fight for the justice and recoveries they deserve.
An experienced auto accident lawyer at Bell & Pollock, P.C. is ready to help you navigate the road to recovery if you or a loved one has been hurt in a wreck.
For honest advice, first-class service, and exceptional representation after a crash, it’s time to call the skilled motor vehicle accident lawyers at Bell & Pollock, P.C. We are here to help you get justice, and we know how to devise the right Legal Game Plans™ to get victims full, fair compensation so they can recover and move on with their lives.