Motorcycle Riders Over Age 40 On The Rise
Following years of steady decline in the number of motorcycle accidents, the trend began to reverse in 1998. That year there were 937 fatalities, an increase of 11.2%. The overall increase in accidents has continued to evidence as more people are taking it up. Most of this growing group of enthusiasts is over 40.
And the occupations of owners have changed to reflect the gentrification of cycling. In 1985, 23.2 percent of owners were laborers or semiskilled. That was down to 6.9 percent in 2003. In 1985, 19 percent of bike owners were professionals. That number was up to 31.2 percent in 2003.
The average age of a rider in 2005 was up to 42 years old with a household income of $56,000. The demographic that is growing most rapidly is the rider over 50. Female riders account for ten percent of the motorcycle population.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law we support our community riders and want to encourage you to be safe. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “per vehicle mile, motorcyclists are about 16 times as likely as passenger car occupants to die in a traffic crash.” We also know that two-thirds of all car vs. motorcycle crashes are caused by the car driver. According to the Hurt Study Findings on motorcycle accident cause factors this is primarily due to the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. The study concluded that this is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents.
If you are a rider, here are some facts that may heighten your awareness and help keep you safe:
- Always, always, always wear a helmet. The NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets reduce the likelihood of a fatality by 29% in a crash.
- Helmet use among fatally injured motorcyclists is below 50%.
- More motorcyclist fatalities are occurring on rural roads.
- Half of the fatalities are related to negotiating a curve prior to the crash.
- Almost two thirds of the fatalities were associated with speeding as an operator contributing factor in the crash.
- Almost 60% of motorcyclist fatalities occur at night.
- More riders age 40 and over are getting killed.
Be aware of rampant driving distractions and drive defensively. You never know when you might encounter an automobile driver that is occupied on a cell phone and not paying attention. We believe that safety awareness is key and as a law firm that has represented numerous victims of serious and sometimes fatal motorcycle accidents, we can’t impress upon you enough the need to always be mindful of safety awareness when you ride.
It is certainly our hope that you will enjoy safe riding. But, if you or a loved one is the victim of a motorcycle accident, we want you to know that we are available 24/7 to talk with you as to how to protect your legal rights. You can call our offices at 713-973-8888 or toll free at 800-444-5000. For additional information please visit our website at http://www.terrybryant.com/texas-motorcycle-accident-lawyer.php.
Popularity: 13% [?]