As always, May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been running an annual safety campaign aimed at improving safety for motorcycle riders across the nation. Eliminating and reducing motorcycle accidents is the goal of the program. This month, the NHTSA is reminding motorists to Share the Road with motorcycles. They’re also encouraging motorcycle riders to wear helmets and practice safe riding habits.
Motorcycle Accidents Can Be Reduced
The failure of other drivers to see and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the main cause of on the road motorcycle injury accidents. Police statistics often establish the driver involved in collision with a motorcycle reports not seeing the motorcycle before the collision. Sometimes its that they report not seeing the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.
The data establishes that two-thirds of the time in motorcycle the other vehicle violates the motorcycle’s right-of-way. To safely and effectively share the road with motorcycle riders and other roadway users, drivers need to devote their full attention to the very complex and demanding task of driving. Distracted drivers can’t safely share the road with anybody. As motorcycle accident lawyers we see the results of these incidents far too often. Motorcycle riders are at an increased risk for injuries or death, because they don’t have seat belts, safety cages or air bags to protect them in the event of a crash. Motorists also need to give motorcycle riders the space they need to stay safe. Motorcycle riders need additional room to maneuver in the event of an emergency situation.
Facts About Motorcycle Crashes in The U.S.
- The number of motorcyclists killed in crashes dropped to 4,985 in 2018, an almost 5% decrease from 2017
- On a per miles on the road basis motorcycle riders are over-represented in traffic fatalities.
- An estimated 89,000 motorcycle riders were injured in crashes in 2018 based on Crash Report Sampling System data.
- Per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclist deaths occurred more than 26 times more often than passenger car occupant deaths in 2018.
- Helmets saved an estimated 1,630 motorcyclists’ lives in 2013.
- In 2018, 36 motorcycle riders were killed in crashes in the State of Idaho.
Improving Motorcycle Rider Safety in Idaho
Motorcycle riders are encouraged to wear helmets and other types of protective gear. Idaho does not mandate helmets for all riders, only those age 17 and younger. Boots, jackets, gloves and helmets can help to improve a motorcycle rider’s safety in the event of a crash. The NHTSA also reminds riders to practice safe and defense riding techniques. Idaho Star courses teach safe and defensive riding techniques. Ultimately though, riders must also count on drivers to put down the smart phones, share the road and give them the space and respect they deserve to stay safe on Idaho roadways. The 2020 Idaho Legislature adopted a new Idaho Code section 49-1401a that made using a hand-held cell phone while driving criminal starting July 1, 2020,
What to do After a Boise Motorcycle Accident
After a Boise motorcycle accident, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case. Whether a distracted driver pulled out in front of you or a driver that failed to check a blind spot ran you off of the road, an attorney can be your advocate after a serious injury. The skilled and proven team at Hepworth Holzer is standing by to answer your questions at (208) 328-6998. We always offer an attorney to do a free initial review and evaluation.
