Latest Texas Motorcycle Accidents Statistics Reveal High Fatality Rate
According to the latest statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 479 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in Texas in 2011, including 30 passengers.
August 22, 2012
Public service announcements regularly remind us that motorcycle accidents in Texas pose serious threats for bikers and passengers alike. Whether the bike slides off the road during an evasive maneuver or is struck side-on by a driver who failed to see a stop sign, head injuries and spinal damage can lead to lifelong challenges for injury victims.According to the latest statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 479 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in Texas in 2011, including 30 passengers. Nearly 6,000 bikers and passengers suffered serious motorcycle injuries during 2011.
While the media often links motorcycle accidents with younger riders, Texas stats show that many motorcyclists in their 30s, 40s and 50s died last year after a crash. One important reason behind this data is that riders and passengers who take every precaution can still be struck and severely injured when a car or truck driver fails to yield right-of-way or follows too closely in traffic.
Data maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that motorcycle-related deaths more than doubled in the U.S. between 1999 and 2008, and injuries also increased significantly. The CDC breaks down nonfatal motorcycle injuries by the area of the body that was harmed. While the most common injury category involved damage to legs and feet, injuries to the head, neck or back occurred in 60 percent of all motorcycle wrecks.
Every year, motorcycle safety advocates promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to remind other motorists to share the road with motorcycles, but that message is never taken seriously by too many drivers. When a negligent or reckless driver collides with a motorcycle or causes it to leave the road, a personal injury attorney can help injured riders and passengers understand their legal options for pursuing compensation.
Article provided by The Law Office Of Vern D. Richards
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