Stevens Point Personal Injury Lawyer

Motorcycle Risks

Because motorcycles require a different set of capabilities to drive, more care has to be taken to stay safe. Due to the small size, visibility is limited which increases risks. For the past nine years, motorcycle fatalities have increased every year according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Motorcycles account for 3% of all registered motor vehicles.

Motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to die in a crash than a person in a passenger car as stated by the NHTSA. There is also a high incidence of alcohol usage amongst motor cycle fatalities. Motorcyclists who have accidents are also more likely to be speeding and have an expired license than drivers of passenger cars.

Riders of “supersports” motorcycles are almost four times more likely to have a fatal crash according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Supersports bikes are popular with the younger crowd due to their horsepower and ability to reach speeds of 190 miles per hour.

Motorcycle helmets are extremely important. They are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Twenty states have laws mandating helmets be worn by motorcyclists. In states where helmet laws were repealed, usage rates dropped from 99% to 50% according to the NHTSA.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle injury, please contact a Stevens Point Personal Injury Attorney at the law firm of Habush Habush and Rottier, S.C. at 715-345-0004 for a consultation today.