Alarming statistics indicate that the rate of motorcycle accident fatalities in the United States in 2015 actually increased by 10% over the previous year.
The statistics were contained in a report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). According to the GHSA, the statistics are a very stark and clear reminder of the continuous and ongoing danger that motorcyclists face when they are riding on American roadways.
According to the statistics, there were a total of 5,010 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2015. There were 450 fewer fatalities in 2014. Overall, 2015 also marked only the third year in American history that the total number of motorcycle accident fatalities crossed the 5,000 mark.
Those are grim statistics, and underscore the dangers that face motorcyclists every day. The researchers responsible for these findings speculate that reinstating universal helmet laws in states that have repealed them could possibly help reduce the number of motorcyclists killed in accidents. Currently, only 19 states and the District of Columbia have universal motorcycle helmet laws that make it compulsory for all motorcyclists to wear helmets. Twenty-eight states require motorcyclists above the age of 18 or 21 only to wear these helmets. Overall, the rate of motorcycle helmet usage is higher in those states that have universal health motorcycle helmet laws. In these states, usage is at a very respectable 89%, while in states that do not have universal helmet usage laws, the rate is roughly 48%.
Apart from wearing a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet, there are other things the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers recommends you can do to stay safe while driving. Wear bright-colored or neon clothing when riding, especially at nighttime when it is very easy to miss spotting a motorcyclist. Always obey speed limits, and always remain in compliance of traffic rules. Remember traffic violations could be extremely dangerous for a motorcyclist who has very little prevention against injuries in an accident. Avoid riding at excessive speeds, and never ride while intoxicated.