Why are Motorcycle Deaths on the Rise?

The National Safety Counsel reports that traffic fatalities are at the lowest level ever recorded. However, motorcycle deaths are on the rise for the ninth straight year. In 2006, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This number has increased by 104% in the last decade.

The National Safety Counsel cites the fact that many motorcyclists still do not wear helmets. In fact, only 20 states and the District of Columbia currently require bikers to wear helmets. The NHTSA estimates that in 2005 alone, helmets saved the lives of 1,546 riders. However, only 59% of motorcycle riders wear them on a regular basis, a number down about 13% from four years ago.

The NSC believes that an increase in the number of motorcycle riders has also contributed significantly to the rise in motorcycle fatalities. Since 1995, there has been a 48% increase in motorcycle registrations. Interestingly, motorcycle sales have been driven by an increase in purchase by Baby Boomers. The NHTSA says that the motorcycle industry has seen a tremendous level of sales to adults born between 1946 and 1964.

Ray Ochs, of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, believes the increased challenges faced by today’s riders have contributed to the increase in accidents and fatalties. Ochs says that today’s traffic is more congested, bikes are more powerful, cell phone usage distracts more drivers, and the ever-present intoxicated motorist creates a risky environment for motorcyclists.

Alcohol remains a problem for motorcycle riders as well. NHTSA data shows that 41% of the riders who died in 2005 had a blood alcohol content of .08 or greater; which is over the legal limit in Virginia and D.C. A higher percentage of motorcyclists die from drunk riding than any other type of driver.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

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Two of the VA injury attorneys with our firm, James Lewis and Rick Shapiro, have been named among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Lewis and Shapiro have also selected for inclusion in the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009. Leiws and Shappiro, along with attorney John C. have been recognized as Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010.

Ours was the first personal injury firm in Virginia invited to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Rick Shapiro was named as one of the Top 100 Injury Lawyers in Virginia by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained what was then the largest verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person. Our brain-damaged client received an initial award of $46 million that increased to $60 million with interest compounded while the defendant pursued a failed appeal, and was confidentially settled during the appeal.

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Our lawyers handle personal injury cases throughout the eastern United States and work closely with lawyers in other states on signficant injury cases.

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Attorneys with Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton hold licenses to practice in VA, WV, North Carolina (NC), South Carolina (SC), Kentucky (KY), Florida (FL) and Washington, DC.