Identity Theft

Most of us are jealous of the sense of freedom and excitement that motorcycle bikers take pleasure in as they cruise down the highway . There’s no feeling quite like it. Particularly on hot springdays and evenings, the appeal of flying down the highway with the wind whipping your hair and adrenaline coursing through your veins is very desireable. More and more of us are buying motorcycles for the pleasure and thrills they give . But that attraction is also tampered by the dangers of riding motorcycles and by possibly being involved in a motorcycle collision. From what we hear and read in the news and in safety reports issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other agencies, motorcycle crashes are rising each year and now account for an estimated 1 in eight car fatalities.

But for a lot of motorcyclists, the joys of motorcycle riding outnumber the risks. Even motorcycle crash attorneys who have many years of experience hearing and seeing the heartbreaking ~ disastrous ~ catastrophic} results  of motorcycle accidents in court are compelled   to jump on their motorcycles and go for a drive as frequently as their schedules and the weather permit. It’s a odd and often enigmatic thought to many people, but a sizable percentage of us feel most alive when we’re participating in an activity that is dangerous . Why else would people jump out of perfectly safe planes, strap on skis and hurtle down mountains at fast speeds and ride motorcycles in heavy traffic with little protection? The answer to those questions is intangible , but one thing that is for sure is that motorcycle crashes are rising every year and are believed to keep on increasing for the foreseeable future. Here are some of the reasons why:

• Helmet use – Some states have rules which require motorcycle riders to use head protection while others still have not passed similar rules. According to the DOT, helmet use in the United States increased to 63 percent of all bikers in June 2008 from 58 percent the previous June. That’s an heartening development but the figures indicate that over 1 in 3 motorcycle bikers still does not use a helmet. This is in spite of the fact that helmets are estimated to be 37 percent efficient in stopping a lethal injury in motorcycle crashes .

• More motorcycles are on the road – Sales of all two-wheeled motorized vehicles rose to 1.16 million in 2006, a level that had not been seen in thirty years. The DOT approximates that there were 6.7 million motorcycles on the road in 2006. Much of the latest rise in motorcycle sales is ascribed to the prosperity of the Baby Boomer generation that has the ability to indulge longtime fantasies to ride again after starting families and establishing careers. There are 75 percent more motorcycles registered now than there were ten years ago.

• Nighttime riding – Almost 60 percent of motorcycle crash deaths happen at nighttime when riders’ fields of vision and ability to see possible dangers are dramatically reduced.

• Riders without proper licenses – In 2007, 26 percent of all bikers fatally injured in motorcycle collisions were driving without a valid license. To get a motorcycle license, bikers must pass several tests that display their riding skills and ability to safely negotiate obstacles .

• High speeds – Almost two-thirds of all motorcycle deaths involve riders traveling faster than the posted speed limit as a contributing factor to the motorcycle accident. While going fast on a motorcycle is certainly part of the appeal , it also significantly increases the risks of being killed or severely injured.

• Driving while impaired – According to the NHTSA, 27 percent of motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol concentration over .08 percent at the time of the motorcycle accident. Alcohol slows reflexes and affects judgment . Drivers between the ages of 45 and 49 were most likely to be killed when driving after having a few drinks.

• Driver awareness – Many motorcycle accidents are caused by other drivers who cannot or did not see a motorcycle before the crash happened. Most motor vehicle drivers, and especially motorcycle bikers, are very aware of the ‘blind spots’ of a vehicle’s mirrors, but many motorcycle accident cases involve a automobile making a left turn directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

The NHTSA expects motorcycle accidents to increase again this year, particularly in the warmer months when more bikes are on the highway. If you are injured in a motorcycle collision, motorcycle collision lawyer, John Page, may be able to help you receive financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills and other costs. When the urge to hop on your bike and go for a ride is tempting , please dress appropriately , wear a helmet, be especially aware of road conditions and nearby automobiles and, by all means, don’t drink and drive.