Report: weather main factor in decreased motorcycle accidents

According to a recent report by a nonprofit by the name of Governors Highway Safety Association, the number of motorcycle accidents in 2013 is expected to decrease by about 7 percent when compared with the year before.

At first hearing, this sounds like a good thing—and it is—but it doesn’t really indicate any improvement in motorcycle safety.
The major factor in the decrease, say experts, is weather. Because the weather warmed up so much later in 2013 when compared to 2012, fewer bikers got out on the road during the riding season, which translated into fewer accidents and fewer deaths. Again, a good thing, but it doesn’t say anything about changes in safety.

Motorcycle accidents, of course, can be quite serious, and it is important for bikers to take steps to protect themselves from injury and death in the event a crash occurs. The best way to do this is to wear a helmet, but bikers don’t always opt to wear helmets and many states don’t require them to do so.

Other motorists, too, have a responsibility to watch out for bikers on the roadway. Because motorcycles can sometimes be difficult to spot, mistakes do occur. In some cases it is simply a matter of a driver not doing their part to be mindful of other motorists. Drivers are expected to exercise prudence in operating their vehicle, and when they fail to do so, they need to be held accountable for the harm they cause, especially to bikers.

Bikers who have been harmed in a motor vehicle accident can benefit greatly from working with an experienced attorney. Doing so will ensure their interests are advocated for and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

Source: Forbes, “Motorcycle Deaths Down, But Overall Safety Has Not Improved, a New Study Finds,” May 7, 2014.