Motorcycle Fatality Facts

Nearly 5000 motorcyclists died in motor vehicle accidents in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Motorcyclists are about 28 times as likely as a car passenger to be killed in a traffic crash.  And even though motorcyclists make up only 3% of the vehicles on the road, 14% of all traffic fatalities involve motorcyclists.

According to the NHTSA, more than 80% of motorcycle riders who are involved in a traffic accident are injured or killed.  Death is a high price to pay for enjoying a motorcycle ride.  There are ways to make your ride safe and enjoyable.  Keep these facts in mind:

The most common causes of motorcycle injuries and death include

• Driver's lack of experience
• Riding without a proper motorcycle license and the commensurate safety training that license usually requires (29% of riders)
• Intersection collisions with cars turning left in front of a motorcycle
• Riding while under the influence (43% of all motorcycle accidents involve alcohol)
• Failing to wear a helmet or wearing one that does not meet federal safety standards

Motorcycle intersection collision

Brain Injury Prevention Tips

One of the most common and devastating injuries incurred in motorcycle accidents are brain injuries which can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering.  Worthington Law Group has special expertise in this area.  For more on this topic, please visit our web page, The Brain Injury Handbook for your free copy. 

Use your head to arrive alive-- always wear a helmet!

Motorcycle Safety Do's

The NHTSA offers the following tips to help motorcyclists avoid death or injuries while riding:

• Complete a motorcycle safety awareness training course;
• Practice safe driving skills on your bike before you hit the open road;
• Inspect your motorcycle to ensure tire pressure, treads, headlights, indicators, and fluid levels are travel-ready;
• Wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet; and be sure to wear protective goggles, clothing, gloves, and boots; and
• Avoid drugs or alcohol on the road

Meanwhile, if you or someone you know has been in a motorcycle-related accident, call us today for a free consultation -- 215-576-5150.  We can help. 

For more detailed information on motorcycle safety, consult NHTSA's Motorcycle Safety 5-Year Plan.