Dealing with Life’s Financial Curveballs
April 8, 2016
Celebrate Safely
May 31, 2016
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Nearly 5000 people die each year in motorcycle crashes and over 90,000 are injured. The Insurance Information Institute reports that the chance of dying in a motor vehicle crash are 26 times higher for a motorcycle rider than the occupant of a car. With 8.5 million motorcycles on the road, automobile drivers need to pay more attention to the bikers around them. The NHTSA urges all motorists to “share the road” with motorcycles and be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.
Motorcycle Accidents Are Far Too Common
We’re all familiar with the crazy kids on their screaming crotch rockets, whipping in and out of lanes at 90 miles an hour. Some of the “super sports” motorcycles can reach speeds up to 190 mph. As a former motorcycle owner, I hold my breath around every curve that I won’t see one of them lying in a ditch or wrapped around a tree.
But in reality, 55 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes are over 40. The older riders tend to buy larger bikes that are heavier and harder to handle. Older riders are also more fragile and more likely than younger riders to sustain fractures, dislocations and brain damage.
While touring the country as well as the neighborhood, I’ve experienced cars passing me in the same lane and clipping my crash bars; a car blowing through a red light and smacking my front wheel; sitting vulnerable at a stoplight and hearing the screeching brakes behind me; and spinning truck tires hurling rocks at my helmet on the highway.
Stay Safe on the Roads
Despite the inherent dangers of cruising on two wheels among larger vehicles, most motorcycle accidents can be avoided by the motorcyclist. By driving at reasonable speeds according to weather conditions, you won’t be surprised when the oncoming car makes a left turn across your path. By watching the road surface, you won’t hit the gravel or oil or pothole or railroad tracks at a bad angle. And by slowing gradually and tapping your brake lights to get the attention of the motorist behind you, you won’t get rear-ended when you stop. And as 50 percent of motorcycle accidents involve intoxicated drivers, the benefits of avoiding or not abusing alcohol are obvious.
At Martucci Law, we can meet the needs of all drivers, including motorcyclists. Whether faced with a traffic ticket or DUI, an accident involving injuries, a driver’s license issue or other related matter, we can help. Call Martucci Law at 630-980-8333 today to schedule your free initial office consultation to learn more.