Synopsis
- After a two year drop in motorcycle crash fatalities, a recent report by
the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute has emerged that shows a rise in
motorcyclist deaths after the state’s year-over-year percentage
increase ranked highest in the nation. - The Governors Highway Safety Association blames intoxicated driving and
a lack of rider training among top reasons for the hike in motorcycle
crash deaths last year. - Safe motorcycling takes training, practice, balance, coordination, good
judgment and experience but officials also say lack of safety equipment,
such as a helmet, could factor into the jump in motorcyclist deaths. - Although minors and those who have a motorcycle learner’s permit
are the only groups required by Indiana law to wear a helmet, the life-saving
equipment is also the best protection against a traumatic brain injury
if a crash were to occur.
Drunk Driving and Inexperienced Operators to Blame for Indiana’s
Hike in Motorcycle Deaths
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute monitors state crash statistics
to identify ways to keep roads safer. After applauding a nearly two-year
drop in motorcycle fatalities, recent released data shows a scary trend
in motorcycle deaths that safety officials will continue to track closely.
The Governors Highway Safety Association report mimics a similar concern
after noticing the rise of 144 motorcycle crash deaths in 2017 vs. 100
fatalities in 2016, and the most motorcyclist deaths in Indiana since
2012. It’s the year-over-year percentage increase in motorcyclist
fatalities from 2016 to 2017 that was most alarming as it reached rates
highest in the nation. Report analysts say motorcyclists comprise a relatively
low number of deaths when it comes to the state’s total motor vehicle
fatalities at just 12.3 percent.
Inexperienced Drivers and Drunk Drivers Contribute to Rise in Fatal Motorcycle Crashes
With motorcyclists being 30 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants
of passenger vehicles, it’s without a doubt the need for better
awareness in safe motorcycling remains important. Officials believe intoxicated
driving (both of motorcycle operators and drivers of motor vehicles) and
a lack of rider training were among the top reasons for last year’s
rise in fatal crashes. That involves proper motorcycle handling and training,
balance, coordination and good judgment. State officials have made the
suggestion that crashes specific to older, more experienced riders may
result from a loss of skills and the lack of ability to be familiar with
the increased power and accessories of motorcycles made today. In addition,
we should all know by now that alcohol reduces the function of the brain,
impairs thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. These are all of
the abilities essential to operating any type of vehicle safely. Don’t
drink and drive!
Motorcycle Helmets Remain Best Defense Against Traumatic Brain Injury
Safe motorcycling takes good judgment and experience but officials also
say lack of safety equipment could factor into the jump in motorcyclist
deaths. Cyclists need to know their bike, recognize their rider strengths
and weaknesses, and always wear the right gear. That gear includes a motorcycle
helmet. More than half of the riders killed in 2017, 89 people (the highest
number since 2014), were not wearing helmets, according to the annual
traffic safety report. A helmet is the best protection against a traumatic
brain injury if a crash were to occur. In Indiana, helmets are only required
by law for minors and those who have a motorcycle learner’s permit.
Indiana Drivers Need to Wise Up
If tragedy strikes and you or someone you love is injured in a motorcycle
related driving accident, please call the
vehicular accident attorneys at Wagner Reese for a free consultation. We put decades of experience
to work for you, and we won’t collect any fees unless your case
is settled or won.
Connect with us by
submitting our online form, and our attorneys will review your information, and respond promptly.
If you wish to speak directly with us, please call (888) 204-8440.
