Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Blog

The National Safety Council along with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has chosen May as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." Motorcycle safety should be paramount for both motorcyclists and motorists. Across the United States and Washington, there has been a dramatic increase of motorcycle related injury accident and deaths.

In 2007, there were 5,154 fatal motorcycle accidents. This was an increase of nearly 7% over the previous years. Per mile, the likelihood of a fatal motorcycle accident is 35 times more than for drivers of cars and light trucks.

A breakdown of fatal motorcycle accident statistics shows that:

• In 36 of the accidents, speed was involved
  
• In 27% of the accidents, alcohol or drugs were involved.
  
• Over 90% of fatal motorcycle-car crashes occurred on non-interstate roadways.
  
• More than 50% of two-vehicles accidents involving a motorcyclists and a passenger vehicle where the motorcyclist was killed occurred in intersections.

The National Safety Council reminds motorcyclists:

• Avoid riding in poor weather
  
• Wear bright colored protective gear
  
• Wear a U.S. Department of Transportation approved helmet
  
• Use turn signals for every turn or lane change
• Be aware of other motorists blind spot.

Motorcyclists should not ride a motorcycle that is beyond their riding ability. In addition, motorcyclists should get special training. In Washington State, motorcyclists must get a motorcycle endorsement to ride on the highway.

For more motorcycle safety information, see the "Share the Road" web-site.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motorcycle accidents and the families of those killed due to another motorist's negligence.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.