With the winter season finally over, there will be more opportunities for motorcyclists to take to the open roads. However, caution should be exercised, especially in light of recent findings that indicate the number of fatalities stemming from motorcycle accidents has increased.
Preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) in the first nine months of 2012 has led the organization to estimate an increase in motorcycle fatalities of 9 percent compared to the previous year. Although final numbers aren’t in, the expectancy is that the total number of fatalities will top 5,000 for the year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that hundreds of lives may have been saved if all riders wore helmets (estimated at 706 motorcyclists in 2010). In New York, all riders, regardless of age or skill level, are required to wear a helmet. However, other factors that may have contributed include speeding and alcohol impairment.
What are motorcycle accident statistics in New York?
Although figures for 2012 aren’t available, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles reports there were 5,338 motorcycle crashes in 2011. This resulted in 162 motorcycle driver deaths and six passenger deaths.
Additionally, 4,604 drivers and 485 passengers were injured. Based on the level of severity, 1,360 accidents were moderately serious, and 1,033 were serious.
Determining fault in a motorcycle accident can be complicated. To learn about available legal options and what types of evidence are necessary to prove fault, contact an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. An attorney can go over your case, help collect necessary evidence, and provide legal representation throughout a lawsuit or insurance claim.
