Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
The number of fatal motorcycle accidents in Portland and elsewhere haven’t let up in two years now. That’s surprising a lot of officials because the number of overall motor vehicle accident fatalities is sitting at its lowest level since 1949, according to the Motorcyclist.
As a matter of fact, there were 26 states that reported increases in their number of motorcyclist fatalities in 2011. Officials are trying to pinpoint why these kinds of accidents haven’t decreased, but they’re coming up with a lot of excuses. The truth of the matter is that motorists, of all kinds, need to be more cautious on our roadways and work together to help make summer travel safer for everyone.”While the MSF applauds the governors and policymakers applying motorcycle-related safety countermeasures and supporting rider training programs, there is still much to be done to improve motorcyclist safety,” said MSF President Tim Buche.
Our Portland accident lawyers understand that nearly 60 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents are the result of multi-vehicle accidents. Motorcycle riders are urged to take the proper safety precautions, like wearing a helmet. We also urge motorists to be on the lookout for our motorcycle friends. The increase illustrates we’ve got to do something to alter this trend somehow because all of the recent motorcycle safety campaigns don’t seem to be working.
Officials are brainstorming why these accidents haven’t decreased. They’re remaining all too common on our roadways. According to U. . NEWS, there were close to 5,000 motorcyclist fatalities in each of 2010 and 2011. Yet during this time most other accident stats decreased.
Motorcyclist Fatalities – Causes for Increase:
-The improving economy. With more spare funds, officials believe that more motorists are looking for a little sleeker way to get around — a motorcycle.
-The high gas prices. Motorcycles get some of the best gas mileage around!
-The lack of strict motorcycle helmet laws. There are only 19 states across the country that require everyone on a motorcycle to wear a helmet. Currently, there are five states that are looking to repeal the law.
The motorcycle helmet law in the state of Maine is one of the most relaxed in the country. Only motorcycle riders under the age of 18-years-old are required to wear a helmet, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Riders are asked to practice their own responsibility and to wear a helmet during every ride. It really can be the difference between life and death.
Motorcycle deaths remains as one of the few areas in highway safety in which progress has yet to be seen.
“These fatality figures represent real people — they are family, friends and neighbors,”ssaid Troy Costales, GHSA chairman.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in Bangor or Portland, contact the personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. For a consultation and no obligation appointment call 1-800-804-2004 today!
More Blog Entries:
Motorcycle accidents in Bangor a spring and summer risk, Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, May 19, 2011