May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

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’s Data on Motorcycle Crashes

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:

• Per vehicle miles driver in 2021, motorcyclists were roughly 24 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and 4 times more likely to sustain injuries
• Of the motorcycle operators involved in deadly crashes in 2021, 36% were riding without valid motorcycle licenses
• Motorcycle crashes are more likely to happen on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays than on weekdays
• Only 65% of motorcyclists wore helmets that complied with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) standards in 2021
• 29% of motorcyclists who died in 2021 were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash

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:

• Organ damage
• Facial disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Broken or amputated limbs
• Internal bleeding

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.

Promoting Motorcycle Safety

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:

• Wear high-visibility personal protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet
• Obey all posted speed limits and other signage
• Do not maneuver any type of vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Avoid all distractions. Distractions include actions like using a cellphone, eating, drinking, and using the GPS
• Always yield to motorcyclists, particularly when making a turn at an intersection
• All motorcyclists should complete a rider education class in addition to a training course to ensure having the safest riding experience possible

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.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP, Representing Injured Victims Since 1947

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.