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Motorcycle – Related Accidents Revealed: Causes and Safety Measures

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:51:08 +0000

The United States remain largely popular as a country of cars. No one person can ever go a few miles without his or her trusted car. However, because of the gasoline prices plus the fun of riding through the open road, motorcycles have steadily gained popularity.

Motorcycles zooming along the road are now among the common sights in any United States highway. Last 2004, sales of new motorcycles have gone beyond one million dollars. This figure increased higher by the summer of 2005 and yet gained another high by the year of 2006 especially since fuel prices have reached their all time high prices.

State laws all over United States have the same definition of the motorcycle. Accordingly, motorcycle as a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and have no more than three wheels. In some states, though, they have included the mopeds, while others do not.

Terrain vehicles or motorized bikes, which are off-the-road vehicles, are not included in the definition of the motorcycle. Thus, there are different laws and regulations for these vehicles. Having significant knowledge of the state laws governing the vehicle you aim to drive is important.

Due to the high-speed capability of motorcycles, and the minimal protection it gives its occupant, it became known as the most dangerous vehicle ever to grace the highway. According to studies, motorcycles topped all other vehicles for crash cost per person per mile. Fatalities caused by motorcycle-related accidents in the highways and streets increased by more than 40 percent since 1997. Consequently, there is also a rise on the number of injuries acquired from such accidents.

Collected data on motorcycle-related accidents have the following findings:

- there are very rare cases of vehicle defects
- most victims of such accidents are male, between the ages of 15 and 24
- Three fourths of the accident cases implicate collision with another vehicle, and most of these are passenger automobiles. While one fourth involves the collision of the motorcycle with some other object, a single vehicle accident.
- These collision accidents are mostly due to lack of attention on the part of the rider and a notable lack of training
- Many motorcyclists have no license or have revoked license.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or DUI cases
- Only minimal cases involve accidents due to bad weather, road defects and animal involvement
- Most cases also involve speeding

Injuries acquired from motorcycle – related accidents are usually covered by private health insurance coverage, which benefits only a little more than half of crash victims. The government actually covers most of the medical costs in such cases. Other victims get to be covered by the Medicaid program or some other government program. Like car accident victims, motorcycle accident victims also face loss of work and loss of wage for work missed during hospitalization or due to the permanent disability after the accident. This finally results to decreased quality of life.

These serious implications of motorcycle-related accidents lead to the promulgation of the 2006 Motorcycle Safety Program Plan by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As an upgrade of their 2003 Plan, the 2006 Plan have the recommendations for implementation by state and local governments as preventive measures against motorcycle related accidents.

- increase access of riders to rider education programs
- increase the number of properly licensed motorcyclists
- reduce the cases of motorcyclists riding while sill impaired
- increase visibility of motorcyclists in roads, especially highways
- increase the use of helmet as ultimate protective gear
- Increase the awareness of other motorists’ on the presence of motorcyclists alongside them in highway roads.

Aside from helmets, as protective gear, motorcyclists must also wear proper reflective clothing, complete with gloves, boots, long pants and a long sleeved jacket. There must also be adequate eye and face protection for the motorcycle riders.

Furthermore, as an added safety net if ever accidents happen, all of the states, except for Washington required motorcycle riders to avail of minimal comprehensive insurance coverage, at the very least. Moreover, other states have certain laws that require a motorcycle owner and driver to manifest financial responsibility.

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Legal information: Investigating a motorcycle accident - Part 7

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:52:08 +0000

Motorcycle accidents have been on the rise due to the popularity and economical value associated with owning a motorcycle. It is harder to see a motorcycle, because of its size in proportion to other vehicles on the roadways, accidents are bound to occur. In 2007, there were 5154 fatalities and 103,000 injuries contributed to motorcycle accidents in the United States.

After an accident has occurred, the first officer on the scene will assess injuries and/or fatalities hen take the proper steps to get help to the scene. He will also contact the Accident Reconstruction Team to find cause of the accident.

Next the officer will start to take information from those involved in the accident. This information will include name, address, and contact numbers of the drivers and the witnesses. It is important that this information be recorded at the scene as it is harder to reach witnesses after they have left the scene. Statements should be taken at this time as the witnesses may forget what they witnessed after they have left the accident site. All of this information should be in the officer’s formal report filed with the police department that has jurisdiction.

Once the reconstruction team arrives they will take measurements of the vehicles as well as measurements of the skid marks or other identifying marks left on the roadway. This preserves the information that maybe lost once the roadway is reopened.

Photographs taken at the scene are essential as they preserve damage to the vehicles. They also can shed a light on road conditions, weather conditions and the final resting place of both vehicles after the point of impact. These photographs can later be used by a lawyer when presenting evidence should the occasion arise.

There is information those in the accident should obtain before leaving the scene of the accident. You should get the name and contact information of the other driver, including insurance information. Get the contact information of as many witnesses at the scene. Compile a list of the authorities at the scene with their contact information. Record a clear narrative and description of the accident including damages to the vehicles and property. Secure records of medical records immediately after the accident. This will be a foundation for your lawyer to build a case or a defense should the matter wind up in court.

Most people have heard the term “Black Box” after a plane crash, yet many are not aware that as of 2002 the same technology is available

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Legal information: Investigating a motorcycle accident - Part 6

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:23:56 +0000

Accident investigation is the most technical aspect of a Police Officers job here in Illinois. Police Officers in the many jurisdictions in Illinois must receive basic level training on traffic crash reporting at the academy level, however the process of becoming a full fledged accident investigator (AI) is far more complicated. The advanced levels of training for an AI is a multi-level course, which requires extensive study and a workng knowledge of higher mathmatics, particularly in the area of algebra. The final stage of accident investigation is a “reconstruction course”, where an AI learns how to reconstruct the exact circumstances of a traffic crash from a forensic perspective.

The scene of a traffic crash can be very confusing, and it takes training and expertise to decipher the physical evidence left at such a scene of chaos. Especially in the case of a motorcycle accident. This is a classification of traffic crash where serious injury and death is imminent.

A traffic crash scene in Illinois is considered a crime scene and usually treated as such until a complete and thorough investigation is completed. There are several vehicular crimes which can be committed in the course of operating a motor vehicle Illinois, including reckless conduct, vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. These aspects of the investigaion mandate that responding Police Officers immediately secure and preserve any type of traffic crash scene.

In motorcycle crashes, it is highly probable that the motorcycle operator will be incapacitated and unable to give an immediate account of what occurred at the scene, and witnesses may be hard to locate. It also generally understood that Insurance companies highly encourage drivers to refrain from talking about what occurred at the scene of an accident, so if there is another motor vehicle operator involved as a striking vehicle, that driver may be reluctant to speak about the accident and/or provide accurate information.

Therefore it is important for responding officers to make some very important decisions in the first moments of arriving on the scene of a traffic crash involving a motorcycle. Upon arrival, Officers must see that the victim or victims receive medical attention. They must then secure the scene and quickly determine if they are qualified to handle the investigaion. In cases of serious injury, where death could occur later or if death has already occured, it is highly recommended that

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Legal information: Investigating a motorcycle accident

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:25:59 +0000

Motorcycles can be a very economical means of transportation, leaving a much smaller carbon footprint, offering less carbon emissions and less gas used over driving a vehicle. However, motorcycles also offer almost no protection to the rider. When a motorcyclist finds themselves in an accident, knowing the ins and outs of investigating a motorcycle accident can be the difference maker for getting proper insurance payments, or between winning and losing a civil lawsuit.

Owning a motorcycle comes carries some extra baggage, such as maintaining brakes, tires and other safety gear to exacting standards, helmets that fit well and are properly rated to the rider, carrying proper and sufficient insurance, and keeping a working camera on their bike at all times. Proper insurance would, of course, include un-insured/under-insured driver coverage, which covers the rider in the case of collisions with drivers who have no, or limited insurance. Helmets must fit perfectly and be properly rated in order to provide proper protection from brain injury in the case of accidents.

Motorcyclists must take initiative when involved in motor vehicle versus motorcycle accidents, especially when there are major damages incurred. If physically able, the rider should take pictures of all areas of the accident, all tire tread marks, the positioning of the vehicles, and extensive pictures of any damages to both vehicles and passengers alike. Witnesses should be gathered, and their contact information taken down, for use in case of there being no video coverage of the accident (traffic or red-light cameras, etc.).

If the motorcyclist was injured to the point of incapacitation, then legal counsel should be sought as soon as physically possible. A law firm would be able to find witnesses, camera coverage from traffic, parking or store security cameras, police reports and any other information to help the rider win maximum financial compensations.

Black boxes contain computerized information regarding every aspect of the vehicle, from brake pressure, gas pedal pressure, rate of speed, RPMs, fuel and fluid levels and lights, airbags, traction control or ABS activation. All aspects of the vehicle leading up to and including the moment of the accident are recorded within the black box, which are now mandated necessary equipment in all new cars. A police officer or legal counsel, investigating an accident, will access the black boxes and reconstruct the accident, for insurance claims purposes.

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Find Accident Attorney, Injury Attorney Free: Motorcycle Accidents Explained

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 10:30:19 +0000

As a direct consequence of motorcyclists having to share major and minor roadways from extremely busy and intensely ever-changing scene of major city roadways and interstate highways, to the less busy, even though it can be said, less dangerous miniscule minor rural small towns of our increasing busy high mobile society, the resulting mix of large, larger and small fast moving vehicles can be a traumatic and at times deadly combination of road traffic conflicts for the most experienced and uninitiated adult and vulnerable teen motorcyclist – the unprotected motorcyclist is especially vulnerable in this fast paced and the most likely to fair the worst in any vehicle and motorcyclist collision.

Accidents involving motorcycles can, and do, cause massive physical, psychological trauma and intense debilitating life changing injuries, which will remain disabling and devastating not only for the injured person, but will have an adverse affect on the basic lifestyle nuclear family, for the extended family, close and not so close friends.

Riding your very own motorcycle on the highways is nearly every child’s dream; fortunately, dreams do not portray the terrifying pain, the suffering, the sheer terror and the feeling of hopelessness when dependent on the convalescing and care of loved ones, when the reality of the debilitating life threatening and life changing injuries suffered immediately following a serious motorcycle accident especially when involving multiple vehicles. Despite the popularity of motorcycling especially in the summer months, the inherent nature of motorcycles makes being in control of them a potentially dangerous undertaking equally for the most professionally trained and the complete novice, the complete novice riding a motorcycle can be a lethal combination with devastating injuries received in a very short riding career (Grayson, Maycock, Groeger, Hammond & Field, 2003), this commentator researched this subject and concluded that and inexperienced motorcyclists hazard perception was non existent and in most situations involved in serious road traffic accidents and receiving serious injuries within a very period – time scale, of passing the relevant Riding Test.

Analyses of serious and debilitating accidents involving inexperienced motorcyclist collated in motorcycle crash data, were primarily undertaken in an attempt to assess the motorcycle crash data and therefore identify those actual and potential hazards and identify potentially dangerous situations that pose and create an actual and potential crash risk for motorcyclists of different levels of experience. However, actual road-based hazards were rarely recorded and the differences in motorcycle crash situations appeared to largely reflect patterns of motorcycle riding, rather than intrinsic assessment of risk (Grayson, Maycock, Groeger, Hammond & Field, 2003).

The research statistical data identified very little detectable research into inexperienced motorcyclist’s hazard perception and correct hazard response by motorcycle riders. For auto car drivers, research has shown that experienced drivers are quicker to detect potential and actual hazards and that slower responses to potential hazards are associated with higher self-reported motorcycle crash involvement – but this has not been tested for motorcycle riders, (RTA. Motorcycle safety. Issues and countermeasures (2004)).

While research has shown that actual and potential hazard perception training in novice motorcycle riders leads to vastly improved hazard awareness performance on recorded hazard perception tests, it is not yet known whether these riders go on to be safer motorcycle riders and have therefore suffer fewer accidents. Intensive hazard awareness training in how to correctly respond safely and appropriately may be more critical for motorcycle riders than for automobile drivers because failures in responding to actual and potential danger may result in a failure to avoid the initial actual hazard or a different type of dangerous crash, (McKenna, F.P., & Crick, J.L. (1997).

While there has been intensive and extensive statistical research into actual potential hazard perception by car auto drivers since about 1990, realistically there have been relatively few research studies having to measure actual and potential hazard perception and responding by motorcyclists. For car drivers, extensive research has shown that experienced drivers are definitely quicker to detect potential hazards and that slower responses are associated with higher self-reported crash involvement - but this has not been tested for motorcycle riders.

Armsby, Boyle & Wright (1989) confirmed a reported study that sought to compare the effectiveness of differing techniques for assessing car drivers’ perceptions of approaching hazards using three different types of interview methods, the Q-sort technique and several variants of the repertory grid method. All participants held a full driving license. Regardless of whether nondirective, focussed or critical incident interviews were conducted, over 70% of the potential hazards mentioned by car drivers with no motorcycle riding experience arose from the behaviour of other road users, rather than features of the road environment. Car drivers who also rode (or previously ridden) motorcycles, however, were able to correctly identify specific potential hazardous features of the road, and specific actions of other road users, as potential hazards to motorcyclists. They conclude that “this might be expected, given that motorcyclists are more at risk from physical deficiencies in the road environment, such as a wet road surface with low skid resistance, and potentially more vulnerable to serious injury if they are involved in an auto accident” (p.56).

In the United Kingdom, Horswill and Helman (2001) conducted an intense and revealing series of research studies that attempted to assess the relative contributions of motorcycle rider behaviour and car driver behaviour towards the physical presence of motorcycles and the physical vulnerability of motorcycles to the increased crash and injury rates of motorcycles compared to cars. Their first study compared the performance of three specific groups:

• Car drivers who had no (or almost no) riding experience

• Motorcycle riders who were asked to respond as if they were riding their normal motorcycle

• Motorcycle riders who were asked to respond as if they were driving their usual car.

The three distinct groups were exactly matched in terms of age, gender, total distance travelled per year and the exact proportion having successfully undergone advanced training methods courses. The average age was approximately 40 years, there were more males than females and about 45 percent had undertaken advanced training methods courses.

The all participants completed a sequence of video-based tests of actual driving behaviour and performance in the Reading University driving vehicle simulator. The actual participants were asked to correctly respond as if they were driving their own car, sat in a car mock-up (with seat, steering wheel, and pedals mounted on a platform). In addition, the motorcycle participants were asked to respond as if they were riding their usual motorcycle, sitting on a Suzuki B120 motorcycle mounted in a stabilising frame. Digital video stimuli were presented on the back projection screen and, where appropriate, active participants responded to real time events on the video with a hand-held button (which allowed reaction times to events to be measured). In the terms used in this paper, the study measured potential and actual hazard perception, but not the response selection or execution components of hazard perception and responding.

On McKenna and Crick’s (1994) hazard perception test, motorcyclists responding as if they were driving their normal cars reacted faster to hazardous situations than either car drivers or motorcyclists responding as if they were riding their normal motorcycles. This would suggest that motorcyclists had better hazard perception skills than car drivers. Given that the hazard perception test was intended for car drivers, the researchers argue that some of the hazards might be less relevant for motorcyclists and that this might explain why this group did not perform as well on motorcycles as they did in cars.

If you or a family member have received injuries in a motorcycle accident, it is critical to take certain steps and safeguard you claim, in addition to contacting an attorney, to protect your legal rights and assist you to build your case for full recovery of damages for injuries and harm. If the police arrived at the accident scene, give them only basic information such as your name and address and the relevant facts about the accident. Do not under any circumstances admit blame or fault for the accident. Immediately after the accident, seek immediate medical assistance if needed and keep your medical records for future reference. In addition, keep all receipts and invoices related to medical treatment and consultation fees, and keep evidence of any other expenses related to your accident, such as repair expenses, rental vehicle costs and wages lost because of missed work. All of this information is directly relevant to the final calculation of actual damages.

If you are able to do so, contact – talk, to other drivers or pedestrians who witnessed the accident. At the very least, try to write down their names and phone numbers before they leave the scene. If possible take a snapshot of the damages and registration details, if relevant of the driver – in case it’s a stolen vehicle or uninsured, with your mobile/cell phone camera. While some witnesses may wait for the police to arrive and to offer their information, others may leave before the police arrive, so it is important to have their contact information for reference. In addition, exchange names, addresses, telephone numbers and insurance information with the driver(s) of the other vehicle(s) involved in the accident. As soon after the accident as possible, take photographs of the scene to record evidence and the actual road conditions. Photographs of your injuries and damage to your motorcycle or other property are also important to have.

Depending on your situation, it may be necessary to engage expert witnesses to assist with building your case. Experts in crash reconstruction or motorcycle mechanics should be able to assist with determining the exact cause of the crash and the defendant’s potential fault.

If you claim a negligence action with an accident attorney, accident lawyer against another driver, the driver may argue that your own negligence in the accident was at least partly responsible for your motorcycle accident injuries. The doctrine of comparative negligence is likely to reduce or even limit your financial recovery fees if you are found to be partly at fault for your injuries received. In states that have adopted a “pure” comparative negligence rule, all injured parties whose negligence is not the only proximate cause of the injuries, can recover an amount that is reduced by his or her proportionate share of fault. In states that have adopted an “equal to or greater than” rule of comparative negligence, the injured party’s fault is not a bar to recovery of fees if his or her negligence is not as great as the negligence of the defendant, with a reduction in damages proportionate to his or her degree of fault.

If as a motorcyclist you were involved in a traumatic and debilitating road accident, or aware of a family member, a loved one, or a valued friend, who received injuries, harm either physical or psychological - through a motorcycle related accident, then find a local accident attorney , a local accident lawyer free, or a local injury lawyer free. Complete Attorney Index website is a regularly updated local accident and injury attorney directory, where you choose and freely contact, your local injury attorney, a local injury lawyer, without abusing your right of Freedom to Choose the accident attorney that is suitable for your needs. Complete Attorney Index website is not a law firm introducer or pre-selection law firm directory for local injury attorney or local injury lawyer or receives financial backing or kickbacks of any kind, receive neither payments from any nation wide, state wide nor local injury attorneys, local accident lawyers. Your Freedom of Choice is your protected right – Complete Attorney Index website if intensely independent and intensely unbiased. You search and contact with no introductions whatsoever – exercise you freedom to choose Search Now! Find local personal injury attorney free. Find local personal injury lawyer free.

Offer you an unbiased local injury attorney or local accident lawyer search directory.

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Motorcycle – Related Accidents Revealed: Causes & Safety Measures

admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:52:16 +0000

Collected data on motorcycle-related accidents have the following findings:

Our Professional Los Angeles Lawyers are expert in handling cases such as Motorcycle Accidents and other Vehicle Accidents .

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Legal information: Investigating a motorcycle accident - Part 5

admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:04:33 +0000

One of the facts of motorcycle accidents is that there are more chances that the motorcycle rider and or their passenger may be injured in an accident with other vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly 4,800 people died and 87,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in 2006. Even if a bike is traveling at a low speed when an accident occurred with another vehicle, more chances than not that the motorcycle rider may sustain a serious injury. The motorcycle rider often finds himself or herself in a difficult position when they are involved in accidents with other cars. Part of the difficulty stems from large-scale often-wrong perception that the motorcycle rider’s speeding, may have caused the accident. Such perception is also at times wrongly reflected through police reports. The truth in many instances is that car drivers may not have seen the motorbike because of their small size, and these cars may have violated the motorcycle rider’s lane. It is therefore extremely important that when the motorcycle rider gets into an accident with other cars, they must not leave the accident scene without making and securing an official police report. Of course this may be handled differently if the motorcycle rider received an injury, they must seek medical treatment immediately.

But securing a police report is not a guarantee of a fool proof case even if the other car was at fault because sometimes there may be police bias reflected in those reports against the motorcyclist, but it is always a good strategy to obtain a police report nonetheless. In addition they must collect any other evidence such as witnesses, names, addresses, contact numbers, insurance company, license plate numbers, driver license numbers or any other information, which may be needed by your attorney.

The next step is to contact an attorney immediately. Not all attorneys practice motorcycle law, so your best option always in cases involving motorcycle accident is to seek out well-educated and experienced attorney practicing in motorcycle law. Most of them would take your case on contingency cases, meaning you will not be paying them upfront They will be paid when and if they receive settlement for the case. Once an attorney takes the case they would conduct additional investigations, since the accident involves a car, there is no black box as in the case of trucks, so the police report and other evidence gathered at the scene such as eyewitnesses, may help the attorney to fight for your rights. It is always a good idea to take photos of the accident, do not damage any evidence. Even if the motorcycle was badly damaged, do not abandon it. Such evidence must be preserved; it may be needed in making your case. If you are incurring any medical treatment cost by all means keep records for you cost, such as Doctor visits, and also document all other costs resulting from that accident such as repair work, rental charges, or lost wages if you are out of work.

If any vehicle that has a black box such as trucks and trailers hit your motorcycle, it is also crucial that the black box be preserved and not destroyed. Your attorney experienced in motorcycle law will move fast by filing a protective order with the appropriate court so the black box may not be destroyed. While the prudent thing for any motorbike rider to do is to play it safe at all times and wear appropriate gear, accidents nevertheless occurs, and this article addresses the needs of making your case through collecting your evidence, such as police reports and eye witnesses, the most important step you can take is to hand over your case to an experienced lawyer, who is well knowledgeable in motorcycle law.

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Legal information: Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance coverage for motorcyclists - Part 4

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:41:18 +0000

Many an owner of an uninsured, or under-insured, vehicle has lost everything. In some cases, an entire family suffers the consequences, as occurred when a teenager drove his own uninsured car, was involved in an accident, and his parents lost everything. Insurance companies will collect, make no mistake about it! Their claims representatives are paid to collect, regardless of the heart-throbbing stories which accompany one’s so-called “excuses”. And insurance corporation lobbyists in Washington are not significantly less powerful than the lobbyists of the banking and pharmaceutical industries, so expect no reprieve to be granted by the Federal Government on your behalf.

I know of no motorcyclist who is a poor driver. Rather, most motorcycle accidents are caused by the drivers of enclosed vehicles (id est: automobiles and trucks) who did not notice (or “see”) the relatively small motorcycle. Yet, motorcycles, in and of themselves, add one giant element to the level of risk involved, pertinent to accidents. Motorcyclists are barely protected from all manner of environmental influences. Take, for instance, the man touring the country. An excellent, skillful, and experienced motorcyclist, he was prepared for nearly every possibility. On the third leg of his journey, a super-sized Winnebago whizzed by. The air current forced his machine to the side of the road and a handlebar tore a hole through his cheek, from the inside out. Not expected, not anticipated, not even probable…yet, luckily insured.

Despite your sophistication, you have not seen it all. So be careful to make no assumptions with regard to insurance coverage. It is preferable to be over-insured than to be under-insured. And, NEVER be uninsured. Objecting to the obvious influence of insurance companies over our Congresses has proven, throughout the past decades, to be fruitless, even though it does seem, at times, as though they are merely investing your good current money for their future gain at your expense. Your legal options are limited to one. Yet, consider all of that peace of mind which you are purchasing…it must be worth something to you, n’est ce pas? And, if you are, at some point, involved in an accident, the piece of mind of knowing that everyone’s medical and repair bills are being automatically covered is soothing to the soul!

In fact, the more frequently you drive your motorcycle and the longer your journeys, the greater the odds of your being blind-sided by someone else’s lack of road “polish”, for which you do not want to relinquish your 401K, Roth IRA, wages, vacation property, automobile(s), telephone services, electricity, warmth, food funds, home, survival support, health insurance, life insurance, et caetera. I repeat, the offended insurance company will take it ALL, to the penny…ruthlessly, if necessary.This is not a supposition, rather, it is a plain and simple truth, despite it’s seemingly cold air.

As such, prepare. Over-prepare. Enough said.

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Motorcycle Helmets The Statistics

admin — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:39:46 +0000

When you go for a ride on your motorcycle, youre out to have fun. And hey, youve never had a crash before, so why would it happen now? Here are the government statistics about motorcycle helmets.In 1967, the US federal government said that it would take away funding from any state that didnt have a helmet law. By 1975, 47 states had complied with the federal government. However, in 1976, they repealed the law, ruling it unconstitutional. Most states softened their helmet laws.In the late 1990s, Kentucky and Louisiana repealed their helmet laws. While the helmet laws were in effect, nearly 100% of the people wore their helmets. When the laws came off the books, it fell to only half of people wearing helmets. The rate of fatalities per number of registered motorcycles rose 37% in Kentucky, and it rose a staggering 74% in Louisiana.Similarly to Kentucky and Louisiana, Texas took its helmet law off the books in 1997 for riders 21 or older who have insurance or training. Helmet use dropped from 96% to 66%, and motorcycle related deaths went up 1/3rd. This means that the death rates corresponds almost directly to the proportion of people who do not wear helmets.Florida repealed its helmet law in 2000. From 1997-1999 (three years while the law was in place) 515 motorcycle riders were killed in crashes; 48 of those deaths were people not wearing helmets. From 2001-2003 (three years after the law was created) there were 933 motorcycle riders killed in crashes; 566 of these were not wearing their helmet.Helmet Law Defense LeagueBells and WhistlesThe Source

The mortality rate statistics are taken directly from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The figures can be accessed through their annual reports, and some are available on their websites.

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Considering A Motorcycle As A Money saving Measure Think Again

admin — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:25:31 +0000

There’s a new trend among websites offering tips for saving money in the face of the rising cost of gasoline (the cheap stuff is hovering around the 4.00 mark in certain oil states, but for most of the rest of the U.S. it’s significantly over that ): buy a motorcycle or scooter, and save money. After all, small bikes and scooters get huge amounts of miles per gallon - certain models of Honda Rebels, for example, routinely go 75 miles on a single gallon of gas - and many larger bikes average over 50.

What these money-saving tipsters fail to convey, however, is that while those zippy little scooters can have their tanks filled for $20, if you don’t already own one, adding one to your personal transportation fleet isn’t going to save you money. It’s going to cost you money in the long run.

Here’s why:

Before you can use a motorcycle or scooter for in-town transportation, you have to own one. A small (250cc) motorcycle will cost around $3,500. Scooters range from $2,000 for a 50cc model to around $7,000 for a 250cc vehicle.

After you purchase a bike or scooter, you have to insure it. This means either adding it to an existing policy, or buying a new policy depending on whether or not your current insurer offers motorcycle coverage. Not all companies do.

Riding a motorcycle is not like riding a bike. Depending on where you live you could spend at least $220 taking a basic rider’s class. Not all states require motorcycle education, but it’s wise to go through it. Not only will it help reduce your new insurance premium, it will also significantly lower your risk of an accident.

You’ll need to buy protective gear. It’s true that not every state has helmet laws, but to ride without one is to risk certain death if you crash. For a full-face helmet and other protective clothing (jacket, gloves, appropriate footwear), you should expect to spend as much as $500.

Routine maintenance on a motorcycle must be done more often than on a car. You can expect to replace the tires at least every 10,000 miles (possibly more often), and an oil change for a 250cc motorcycle that doesn’t have an oil filter will cost around $70.

Periodic service comes earlier and more often as well. The first one should be done at 600 miles, and will cost you between $125 - $200, and the second servicing, which should be done at 4,000 miles, may run as high as $500.

If after all those points the notion of getting 70 miles to a gallon of gas is still making you drool over motorcycle ads, consider this: in addition to what you spend on your new ride, you’ll still be paying for insurance, gas, and maintenance on the car you already have. After all, bikes and scooters are great in balmy spring and summer weather, but what if it’s raining or snowing? What about when you need to do a week’s worth of grocery shopping? What if you have kids who need to be ferried from school to ballet class and soccer practicewhat if?

Take a breath, and do the math before settling on a motorcycle. Trading your existing car in for a hybrid may be the better bet.

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