Recently, I read two articles that reminded me of the dangers associated with riding a motorcycle. I understand that nothing I say, as a Virginia personal injury lawyer, will likely deter someone who loves the excitement of a motorcycle ride from getting on his bike and taking off. However, maybe after reading this article, some motorcyclists will think more carefully about their own safety and the safety of others.
The first article that came to my attention was the obituary of Hugh Hurt who died in December. Mr. Hurt was a safety engineer who, in 1981, conducted a detailed study of motorcycle accidents for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Mr. Hurt and his team investigated 900 motorcycle accidents that had occurred in the mid 1970s.
To ensure accuracy, the investigators visited each accident scene at the same hour and on the same day of the week the accident had occurred so they could duplicate traffic conditions. Weather was important as well so team members visited each scene under weather conditions similar to those at the time of the accident. The investigators took multiple photographs, examined vehicle wreckage, measured skid marks, studied relevant police reports, and interviewed motorcycle operators who had survived their accidents.
Although Mr. Hurt's study was performed almost thirty years ago, many of his findings are still relevant today. First and most important, the study showed that use of motorcycle helmets meeting official specifications reduced head injuries significantly.
In 1975, as many as 47 states had laws mandating helmet use by motorcyclists. Since then, however, despite overwhelming evidence that helmets decrease head injuries, state legislatures have bowed to the loud opposition of cyclists who prefer to ride without a helmet. As a result, only about 20 states have laws today that require motorcycle operators and their passengers to wear helmets. In 2008, NHTSA reported that when a motorcyclist rides without a helmet he is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal injury than the cyclist who does wear a helmet.
Mr. Hurt's study highlighted other findings. Car and truck drivers frequently don't see motorcyclists in time to avoid accidents. This is especially true at night. Accidents most frequently occur when a motorist turns left, directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. For these reasons, motorcyclists should wear bright clothing and reflective gear. They should also put reflective tape on their bikes.
Unfortunately, many cyclists are not as proficient as they should be in handling a motorcycle and controlling skids. Advanced motorcycle handling courses are offered in most communities, and these classes will help cyclists improve their skills.
This brings me to the second article I read. According to the World Health Organization, traffic accidents kill an estimated 1.27 million people a year globally, and about half of the victims are pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Operating a motorcycle on our roads and highways is risky business. Always wear your helmet. Make certain you and your bike are in plain sight of other vehicles by wearing clothing made of bright, reflective material. Remember that the more colorful your bike is the more visible it will be to others. Finally, sharpen your motorcycling skills so you can become a better defensive driver.
The first article that came to my attention was the obituary of Hugh Hurt who died in December. Mr. Hurt was a safety engineer who, in 1981, conducted a detailed study of motorcycle accidents for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Mr. Hurt and his team investigated 900 motorcycle accidents that had occurred in the mid 1970s.
To ensure accuracy, the investigators visited each accident scene at the same hour and on the same day of the week the accident had occurred so they could duplicate traffic conditions. Weather was important as well so team members visited each scene under weather conditions similar to those at the time of the accident. The investigators took multiple photographs, examined vehicle wreckage, measured skid marks, studied relevant police reports, and interviewed motorcycle operators who had survived their accidents.
Although Mr. Hurt's study was performed almost thirty years ago, many of his findings are still relevant today. First and most important, the study showed that use of motorcycle helmets meeting official specifications reduced head injuries significantly.
In 1975, as many as 47 states had laws mandating helmet use by motorcyclists. Since then, however, despite overwhelming evidence that helmets decrease head injuries, state legislatures have bowed to the loud opposition of cyclists who prefer to ride without a helmet. As a result, only about 20 states have laws today that require motorcycle operators and their passengers to wear helmets. In 2008, NHTSA reported that when a motorcyclist rides without a helmet he is 40% more likely to sustain a fatal injury than the cyclist who does wear a helmet.
Mr. Hurt's study highlighted other findings. Car and truck drivers frequently don't see motorcyclists in time to avoid accidents. This is especially true at night. Accidents most frequently occur when a motorist turns left, directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. For these reasons, motorcyclists should wear bright clothing and reflective gear. They should also put reflective tape on their bikes.
Unfortunately, many cyclists are not as proficient as they should be in handling a motorcycle and controlling skids. Advanced motorcycle handling courses are offered in most communities, and these classes will help cyclists improve their skills.
This brings me to the second article I read. According to the World Health Organization, traffic accidents kill an estimated 1.27 million people a year globally, and about half of the victims are pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Operating a motorcycle on our roads and highways is risky business. Always wear your helmet. Make certain you and your bike are in plain sight of other vehicles by wearing clothing made of bright, reflective material. Remember that the more colorful your bike is the more visible it will be to others. Finally, sharpen your motorcycling skills so you can become a better defensive driver.
Labels: motor vehicle accidents