To understand how to beat the odds when it comes to motorcycle accidents, you must first know what those odds are. Statistics that we use here come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency, an organizations whose number one goal is making sure that motorists are safer on the roads, and as such they keep detailed statistics year after year so that you can see what the trends among vehicle accidents are and how to avoid making the mistakes that others are making, which is exactly how we’re going to beat the odds.
The first truth and statistic that you should be aware of is that riding a motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than operating an automobile. In fact, analysis of the data tells us that you are fifty percent more likely to be involved in an accident as a motorcyclist than you are when driving your car. Now, let’s take a look at some solid numbers. In 2007, there were 5,154 deaths from motorcycle accidents in the United States, the highest that those numbers have reached ever, since the NTHSA began tracking accidents more than thirty five years go.
So, how do you beat the odds? Well, there are three factors that we’ll look at, beginning with alcohol use. The facts about riding a bike while you are under the influence is staggering. More than thirty five percent of motorcycle accidents that ended in fatalities involved alcohol. This makes it fairly obvious for any person that is planning on riding and has no desire to die a painful death – don’t drink and drive, especially motorcycles.
Secondly, ride your bike safely. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers, but that doesn’t give you license to drive unsafely. If you will follow all traffic laws and go above and beyond the safety precautions that you normally take, you may be able to pick up the slack from the drivers that aren’t paying attention, can’t see your motorcycle in traffic or at night, or are driving under the influence of alcohol themselves.
Finally, wear your helmet. It cannot be stressed enough that you should wear your helmet when you ride. Statistics have shown unequivocally that you will have a much better chance of surviving a motorcycle accident if you wear your helmet and the majority of motorcycle crashes where the rider or passengers were not wearing a helmet resulted in death. Even if you state doesn’t require it, wear your helmet at all time, and make your passengers wear one as well.
Of course, if you do get into a motorcycle accident despite your best efforts, you’ll want a motorcycle attorney from California that understands how to win motorcycle cases and collect the maximum amount of compensation for you, so that you can recover from your accident and get on with your life.
