Motorcyclists in Sacramento County
Although motorcyclists make up a minority of those using public streets and highways, the injury and death rate for motorcycle riders is much higher than that of motor vehicles.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles reported that 33,385 motorcycles were registered in Sacramento County in 2016 out of 1,388,524 in the state. However, a rider of a motorcycle has a 29-percent increased risk of dying than someone driving a comparable number of miles in a motor vehicle. The injury risk to motorcyclists is five times higher.
Deaths and Injuries in 2015
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration released a 2015 report on motorcyclist injuries and fatalities that year. Although the number of injuries from motorcycle accidents decreased by 3 percent over the previous year, there were still roughly 88,000 injuries caused by collisions. On the other hand, the number of deaths of motorcycle riders increased by 8 percent from 4,594 to 4,976. The number of deaths exhibited 14 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Characteristics Most Motorcycle Accidents Have in Common
When it comes to environmental factors, the majority of fatalities from motorcycle accidents have the following in common:
- 55 percent occur in urban locations
- 57 percent happen during daylight hours
- 90 percent of fatalities occur off the interstate
- 67 percent are not at intersection locations
- 97 percent occur on clear or cloudy days
Other Statistics
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that single-vehicle accidents accounted for 41 percent of accident deaths, while multiple-vehicle crashes accounted for 59 percent. Other precipitating factors included age (35 percent were 50 or over), engine size (sport-touring bikes were safest, and touring bikes were the most dangerous). Drunk driving with a BAC level of 0.08 or higher was present in 28 percent of motorcycle accident deaths.
How Motorcycle Riders Can Increase Safety
SafeWise offers tips on how a motorcycle rider can improve his or her chances of staying safe on the road.
- Inspect the bike and perform regular maintenance.
- Keep an eye on weather conditions.
- Double-check when making a turn or changing lanes.
- Don’t ride when distracted, angry, or in a bad frame of mind.
- Keep an eye on the road, and remain watchful for debris or rough patches.
- Use your mirrors. They are there for a reason.
- Wear appropriate protective gear.
- Don’t drink and drive.
Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Rideapart.com offers a list of the most common injuries suffered in motorcycle accidents. These include feet and leg injuries at 30 percent, head and neck injuries at 22 percent, upper body injuries, spinal injuries, abdominal injuries, and upper extremity injuries. Consulting with an experienced motorcycle lawyer following an injury can be helpful. A lawyer can explain your rights and options and help by pursuing just compensation to pay your medical and other expenses.
Rancho Cordova Personal Injury & Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova personal injury lawyer. Being involved in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence can result in terrible injuries. If this happened to you, call or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. If you want, you can also access our short contact form at AutoAccident.com, my website.
I belong to Million Dollar Advocates. This website is solely for trial lawyers that demonstrate client verdicts or settlements of $1 million.
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My page on settlements and verdicts gives information on how others have been helped with their personal injuries such as traumatic injuries and cases on wrongful death.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/biker-motorcycle-ride-vehicle-407123/
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