Spring has come early this year, to the delight of many, including motorcyclists. Unfortunately, the year has already proven deadly for two people enjoying the season in Central New York. A couple was killed on the Sunday after St. Patrick's Day when their motorcycle was hit by another car at the intersection of Whig Road and Route 49 in West Monroe. The next day, another accident seriously injured another rider.
Over 100 bikers gathered to honor the fallen bikers and draw attention to the need for all drivers to pay attention and share the road. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, more than four thousand people are killed annually in motorcycle accidents.
In July 2011, the life of a 38 year-old Ukranian immigrant was cut short when a car drove in front of him as he was crossing an intersection. The 51 year-old driver of the car and his passenger sustained minor injuries. The driver was subsequently charged with vehicular manslaughter, DUI and driving without a license.
The young immigrant, who owned a trucking company, became one of more than four thousand people killed annually in motorcycle accidents, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.
Although motorcycle fatalities in 2010 were lower than in 2009, the GHSA is still extremely concerned about disturbing trends with motorcycle riders, such as an increase in motorcycle fatalities in the third quarter of 2010. The most alarming change was the drop in helmet use among motorcyclists. In 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that only 54 percent of riders word their helmets.
New York is one of only 20 states that require motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Despite the law, not all motorcycle enthusiasts are happy to follow it. In a ironically tragic story, a man protesting the state's helmet law died on the 4th of July when he was thrown over his handlebars and hit his head and the pavement. According to ABC News, a medical expert was certain the man would have survived the accident if he had been wearing a helmet.
With gas prices continuing to strain family budgets, motorcycle use is on the rise. In New York State, there has been a 23 percent increase in the number of motorcycles registered in the state between 2005 and 2009. That number is only expected to increase. With new riders entering the roadways, it is especially important that they employ safety techniques to help them stay safe.
Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle
Motorcyclists are more at risk for serious injury and death than other drivers. The following tips will help riders avoid accidents on the road:
· Drive Defensively
Caution, vigilance and following the rules of the road will help you guard your personal safety on a motorcycle. Follow speed limits, signal your turns and avoid tailgating, weaving through traffic and other aggressive driving habits.
· Wear a Helmet and Protective Clothing
While a helmet will not guarantee survival in a crash, it will improve your chances more than anything else. The NHTSA studies have shown that wearing a helmet reduces the chance of dying in a crash by 37 percent. Make sure your helmet meets U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and then wear it, even if it's not mandated in your state. The same goes for leather jacket, boots, and gloves - all offer some protection against injury.
· Avoid Blind Spots
Make sure other drivers can see you at all times by avoiding their blind spots or "no-zones." Also remember that traffic visibility for truck drivers is limited ─ trucks often have blind spots in the front, back and on either side.
Motorcyclists are uniquely vulnerable on roadways because motorcycles do not have seatbelts and are not enclosed. It is therefore important for motorcyclists to do all they can to protect themselves.
Even the most cautious rider cannot always avoid an accident. If you or a family member have been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you should speak with an experienced New York motorcycle crash attorney who will fight to hold the responsible party accountable.
