September 28, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ --
As Car Crash Injuries Decline, Motorcycle Injuries Rise
Article provided by Locklin & Mordhorst
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The number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes has declined steadily since 1999, according to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. The NHTSA says the number of motorcyclists injured in crashes in that same period has increased each year, however.
The NHTSA estimates that motorcyclist injuries rose by 110 percent from 1998 to 2007. Last year, there were 37,261 motorist deaths reported (the fewest road fatalities since 1961). Yet motorcyclist deaths rose to 5,290; 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. That percentage is up sharply from 2007, when motorcyclists and their passengers accounted for 11 percent of all deaths on our nation's roads.
As motorcycles have increased in popularity in recent years, related injuries and deaths have skyrocketed. Experts say some of that popularity is simply a function of trendiness, while some can be traced to the high price of gasoline.
The price of driving a motorcycle can be extremely high, however: motorcyclists are 37 times more likely to be killed in a crash than occupants of motor vehicles. The leading cause of death in those motorcycle crashes are head injuries; riders not wearing helmets are 40 percent more likely to suffer fatal head injuries than helmeted riders.
Virginia motorcyclists are required by law to wear a safety helmet. Safety experts say helmets and reflective, protective clothing are key factors in cycling safety. They also warn that because motorcyclists are vulnerable drivers, they should be the most defensive, aware drivers on the road, taking care to obey speed limits and to stay out of other drivers' blind spots.
Article provided by Locklin & Mordhorst
Visit us at
www.locklinlaw.com---
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