December 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) Motor vehicle accident rates in California fluctuate for many reasons. For instance, car accident rates tend to rise at certain times of the year due to traffic volume, increases in drunk driving or weather-related factors. On a recent year-to-year basis, car and truck accident rates have been affected both by increased use of cell phones and texting devices, as well as state laws that prohibit certain types of distracted driving behavior.
A recent rise in the number of motorcycle fatalities in California has been attributed to other factors. Increased popularity of motorcycles due to their superior fuel efficiency and popularity among older recreational riders has caused California motorcycle registrations to nearly double in the past decade. California currently has more than one million motorcycle riders registered to ride on its streets and highways.
Data from the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows a 20 percent increase in the number of motorcyclists killed from 2010 to 2011. The rise from 348 to 411 California biker deaths is the first increase since 2008, when 529 motorcyclists died, as opposed to 465 in 2007.
The long term trends are even more troubling. Over the decade ending in 2007, motorcyclist fatalities increased 132 percent, and biker injuries increased more than 75 percent. Motorcycle safety advocates are concerned that an annual toll of several hundred fatalities and 10,000 or more injuries is the unacceptable new normal.
In a recent press release, the CHP announced the latest statistics and called on all motorists to focus on strategies for preventing future tragedies. Because a large share of fatal and serious motorcycle accidents happen at intersections, drivers who are making turns should always take a second look to ensure that they did not fail to notice a motorcycle the first time.
Fighting for the rights and safety of motorcycle riders
"By looking twice, you may save the life of a motorcyclist," CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow cautioned Californians when announcing the rise in motorcycle accidents. Just as important, awareness that car and truck drivers share the road with much more vulnerable bikers reduces the chance of life-altering brain trauma and spinal injuries.
Article provided by Biren Katzman Trial Lawyers
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CHP Reports Increase in California Motorcycle Accident Fatalities
Data from the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows a 20 percent increase in the number of motorcyclists killed from 2010 to 2011.
2012-12-01
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[Press-News.org] CHP Reports Increase in California Motorcycle Accident FatalitiesData from the California Highway Patrol's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System shows a 20 percent increase in the number of motorcyclists killed from 2010 to 2011.