Motorcycle Accidents on Rise as Other Accidents Decline

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

Safety measures and safer driving may have contributed to the decline in number of injuries and deaths involving motor vehicle accidents in the past decade in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2008, reports the CDC, the number of accident-related deaths involving cars and trucks was at the lowest rate in recorded history in the U.S. During the same time period, however, motorcyclist deaths “reached an all-time high, more than doubling between 1999 and 2008,” reports the CDC.

In that decade, more than 34,000 motorcyclists were killed and more than 1.2 million people were taken to the emergency room for a non-fatal injury sustained on a motorcycle. Younger motorcyclists were far more likely to experience an accident than older motorcyclists—the highest rates of both death and injury were among 20-to-24 year-olds, while the next highest age group of death and injury was to 25-to-29 year-olds. The majority of injuries (approximately one-third) were to the leg or foot, though the next highest number of injuries (approximately one-fifth) were to the head or neck. Injuries to the head or neck were likely more severe.

Several states have, in recent years, initiated campaigns to make other vehicles on the road more aware of motorcyclists. In more concrete safety measures, many states have enacted helmet laws; wearing a helmet while riding has been proven to be the most effective way of preventing traumatic head injuries. There is no federal law that regulates helmet use nationally, but as of 2012, 19 states and Washington D.C. had universal helmet laws. Only three states had no helmet law at all.

According to BikersRights.com, Illinois is one of the three states that has no helmet use law at all. There is also no fine for riders in Illinois who choose not to wear helmets. Regardless of whether it is against the law, it is always advisable for riders to wear protective gear, according to the CDC.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident in which you were not at fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Do not go through it alone. Contact an Waukegan accident attorney today.