May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Mom’s the Word, So Is Motorcyclist

The month of May is dedicated to all the wonderful mothers out there, but it’s also reserved for National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month — an important time to talk about protecting everyone who uses our roads. As summer comes knockin’, you’re going to see more motorcyclists out for a ride in the beautiful state of Virginia. Enjoy it! But do so safely. A disconnect between drivers and motorcyclists, and a misunderstanding of the rules of the road, could have disastrous outcomes.

Be Mindful of Motorcyclists

The National Safety Council says 5,172 motorcyclists died in crashes in the United States in 2017. Of those deadly crashes, 107 motorcyclists lost their lives in Virginia, according to the Virginia Highway Safety Office. Nationally, fatalities among motorcyclists and their passengers have more than doubled since 1997.

Some of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents are:
• Left turn crashes
• Rear end crashes
• Car door accidents
• Lane change accidents
• Weather conditions
• Gravel or potholes

Depending on the impact of the crash, motorcyclists can be extremely vulnerable to serious or fatal injuries. In 2017, there were 2,119 motorcycle crashes in Virginia. The Virginia Highway Safety Office says the 107 riders killed accounted for 12.7% of all traffic fatalities.

Navigating the Roads Safely

Accidents are just that — an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly. But there are some preventative measures that can be applied to protect motorcyclists. In Virginia, by law, motorcyclists and passengers must wear helmets. Helmets alone are about 29% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles also advises wearing:

• Eye protection
• Leather jacket or trousers
• Durable gloves
• Proper footwear

As cautious as we can be on the road, sometimes others aren’t, and their actions may cause grave consequences. Trost Law Group specializes in motorcycle injury law and can help you or a loved one with a personal injury claim. If a negligent driver caused your crash, don’t suffer alone. Our attorneys will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.