Every year, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) puts forth Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, reminding vehicle drivers and motorists alike that safe driving and riding practices help to reduce injuries and fatalities on our nation’s roadways. To ring in Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month this May, take a few moments to learn more about how you can help yourself and others stay safe while traveling.
The NHTSA reports that motorcycle riders are significantly overrepresented in deadly traffic crashes. In 2021, for example, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed, accounting for 14% of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclists lost in fatal traffic collisions since at least 1975, indicating just how important it is for a safety overhaul focused on protecting these uniquely vulnerable roadway users.
Here are some other key facts on motorcycle accidents and related safety issues from the NHTSA:
Safe motorcycling takes a lot of dedication and practice. Motorcyclists are also especially in danger of sustaining bodily injury because of how exposed they are to the elements of the road, like adverse weather conditions, other vehicles, posted signage, physical road conditions (like potholes), and much more. Some of the most common injuries that motorcyclists sustain in crashes include:
Like other types of motor vehicle crashes, some of the top contributing factors to motorcycle crashes are alcohol impairment and speeding. For example, 34% of motorcyclists who were involved in fatal crashes in 2020% were speeding when the incident occurred.
One of the most important aspects of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is to acknowledge the ways in which we can all help keep motorcyclists safe. The NHTSA has several useful tips on this – here are some useful examples for motor vehicle drivers as well as motorcyclists:
When a person is involved in a motorcycle accident, the repercussions on their life can be monumental. Not only is it likely that they sustain significant, life-changing injuries that cause them to miss an extended period from work, but many victims also need surgery, physical therapy, and other forms of long-term medical treatment and care.
At Galfand Berger, our attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of motorcycle and motor vehicle accidents. If you were involved in an accident and you have questions about filing a legal claim to recover damages, someone at our firm can help. To learn more, contact a representative online now.
If you have a question about filing a legal claim, contact the Philadelphia personal injury lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP today. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.