Motorcycle Accident Deaths Plunge | San Diego CA Injury Lawyer
Posted on Apr 24, 2010
A report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that the total number of fatal motorcycle crashes declined by 16% in the first nine months of 2009, compared to the same time in 2008. Motorcycle accidents have been rising steadily for nearly a dozen years before setting a record in 2008.
There is no clear explanation for the drop in fatal motorcycle accidents in 2009, only a year after the record of 5,290 motorcycle fatalities was recorded in 2008. Some have speculated that the economy was keeping motorcyclists off the road and pointed to a 42% decrease in new motorcycle sales. The theory is that there were fewer novice riders on the road and that publicity about motorcycle deaths had increased awareness both amongst motorcyclists and motorists about motorcycle safety.
California experienced 133 fewer motorcycle fatalities during the early months of 2009. Overall, the report projects that the annual fatality decline amongst motorcycle riders will be 10% for all of 2009.
Federal statistics show the number of motorcycle fatalities had steadily increased for over 10 years ending in 2007. However, the data released Thursday demonstrates that several efforts to reduce the number of deadly motorcycle crashes have perhaps worked. For instance, the study authors believe that the recommendation for mandatory helmet use amongst motorcyclists placing the second part in reducing the toll number of deaths from motorcycle wrecks. In addition, the authors believe that decreasing the number of people who ride after drinking alcohol, reducing the instances of speeding, and providing additional training for motorcyclists will further reduce the number of deadly accidents. Riding at excess speeds or under the influence of alcohol were determined to be factors in a significant number of motorcycle crashes. In addition, approximately half of all motorcyclists and their passengers who died in wrecks were not wearing helmets.
This decrease in California motorycyle accidents is good news to our office. There is not a week that goes by where we hear stories of someone who has seriously injured themselves in a motorcycle accident and will now face months, if not years, of rehabilitation to get better. If there is anything that motorcyclists can do, within reason, to remain safe, they should do so. Riding a motorcycle is a lot of fun, but is also extremely dangerous.
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The Jurewitz Law Group is a San Diego personal injury law firm representing people injured in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall injuries, dog bite attacks, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. Their personal injury office is located in Downtown San Diego, has offices in Carlsbad, California, and serves all of San Diego County including the following cities and towns:
San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, El Cajon, Carlsbad, Poway, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, National City, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Coronado.
