May is Motorcycle Safety Month: Ride Smartly and Be Cool Too!
When droves of motorcycle enthusiasts unite in various communities across the United States and especially here in SC for Bike Weeks, those taking the spring pilgrimage should consider that May is Motorcycle Safety Month. This same type event is going on all over this Country this month. Although motorcycles can provide a sense of freedom and exhilaration, there are substantial risks attributed to the activity.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) has compiled motorcycle accident statistics, emphasizing the importance of motorcycle safety. It reported about 4,935 people were killed riding motorcycles of different varieties in 2006. More than 38,000 motorcyclists have died in single vehicle motorcycle crashes between 1975 and 1999. In addition, per vehicle mile traveled in 2003, motorcyclists were about thirty-two times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle traffic crash and 6 times more likely to be injured.
The Hurt Report, which analyzed nearly 3,600 motorcycle accidents also found that approximately three-fourths of these motorcycle accidents involved collision with another vehicle, which was most usually a passenger automobile. Approximately one-fourth of these motorcycle accidents were single vehicle accidents involving the motorcycle colliding with the roadway or some fixed object in the environment. The Report also found that the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. Here, the driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision. The Report also discovered that the motorcycle riders involved in accidents were essentially without training; 92% were self-taught or learned from family or friends. Common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents are concussions, brain damage, joint fracture, soft tissue injuries, and facial disfigurement.
Because the risks are so great, it is absolutely imperative that you ride safely and avoid all preventable accidents. Before taking your motorcycle for its first spring ride, please keep the following safety tips in mind:
· Wear Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”). This includes a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots, goggles/visors, and vests. The NHTSA estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,316 motorcyclists in 2004. Helmets are estimated to be thirty-seven percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists.
· Obtain proper training. Motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and can reduce injuries in the event of accidents. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation provides low-cost training for new and current riders and should be considered essential for safe operation of a motorcycle.
· Purchase motorcycles with adequate safety features. Like cars, newer models may have enhanced safety features that may end up saving your life in the event of a crash.
Motorcycles are undoubtedly a great way to experience the road, but just remember to think “safety first” when taking your motorcycle for a ride this season!
Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Kevin Dean
Posted May 27th 2010 to Michigan Motorcycle Accident News, Motorcycle Accidents
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