Minnesota Motorcycle Deaths Up in 2011

Accidents involving motorcycles have killed at least 22 people so far this year in Minnesota, up significantly from 2010.

2011-09-01

September 01, 2011 (Press-News.org) For motorcyclists in Minnesota, summer is the time to hit the road on a bike. This summer, however, riding is proving to be more dangerous than ever, as tragic accidents have risen alarmingly. Accidents involving motorcycles have killed at least 22 people so far this year in the state, up significantly from 2010.

More Danger Ahead?

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety is concerned that motorcycle deaths will only increase. "August and September are typically high-traffic and high-fatal months for riders," Bill Shaffer, the motorcycle program coordinator for the department, told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. There are currently approximately 230,000 riders on the road this summer, according to the number of registered motorcycles. That is up double from only 112,000 motorcycles registered in 1996.

Practice Safe Riding

While motorcyclists know that riding can be an inherently dangerous activity, simple, common sense safety precautions can save a biker's life. These include:
- Wearing proper gear -- this includes, obviously, a helmet, but also eye protection, jackets, gloves and footwear. A biker cannot always avoid an accident, but wearing the proper gear can minimize injury, or even let the rider walk away injury-free.
- Driving defensively, which includes obeying all traffic laws and being courteous to other drivers on the road.
- Avoiding drinking or using drugs while riding. More fatal motorcycle crashes involve a rider who is DUI (driving under the influence) than any other type of vehicle.

Motorcyclists at Risk

Unfortunately, the cause of some motorcycle accidents are beyond a rider's control. Other drivers may not see motorcycles or give them they space they need on the road. A car may not signal before turning or changing lanes and thereby endanger a rider. Other drivers may be impaired. When a motorcycle accident does occur, it often results in serious injury or death for the rider.

For those motorcyclists who are involved in an accident, a personal injury lawyer can often help by recovering costs for medical treatment and other expenses associated with a motorcycle accident. If you or someone you love has been in an accident, contact a personal injury attorney immediately.

Article provided by Goldenberg & Johnson, PLLC
Visit us at www.goldenberglaw.com

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Minnesota Motorcycle Deaths Up in 2011

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