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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, Cooper 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.



How should you locate the best, top injury lawyer for your case?

Our Injury Lawyers Have Been Selected For Many Achievements Outlined Below:


Several  Injury Attorneys With Our Firm have been Named As Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law  (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009 Ed.)(Less than 5% of Outstanding Lawyers are Chosen); also selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (Lewis, Shapiro - 2009); named among the Top 100 Lawyers in Virginia by ATLA (Shapiro - 2009), and our law firm was the first Injury Law Firm in Virginia Invited to Join Primerus, a select group of Highly Ethical, Respected Law Firms .


In October, 2000 our law firm and co-counsel obtained, what was then, the
largest record verdict in Virginia's history for an injured person (46 Million Dollar Verdict, with Interest, 60 Million Dollars, Settled confidentially during appeal).  Click on any icon for more details.

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Geographical Areas:

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

As to Virginia (VA), this includes: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Richmond (entire area), Petersburg, Roanoke/Salem, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, all areas of the Eastern Shore, including Accomack, Onancock, Chincoteauge, Wachapreague, and Cape Charles, Bloxom, Eastville, Exmore, Greenbackville, Machipongo, Mappsville, Melfa, Nassawadox, Onley, Tangier, Temperanceville, Wachapreague, and Wallops Island, Ashland, Big Stone Gap and any other city/ounty.

As to West Virginia (WV) personal injury claims: Bluefield, Beckley, Bridgeport, Charles Town, Charleston, Fairmont, Huntington, Lewisburg, Madison, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Moundsville, Parkersburg, Ripley, Sutton, Weirton, Wheeling, and any other town or county.

Injury Lawyers licensed in VA, WV, NC, SC, KY & Wash., DC.


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