Motorcycle Fatalities Show a Decline For 2017
Share The Road
Preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) on motorcycle fatalities from 2017 shows that nationwide motorcycle fatalities are down 5.6%. Motorcycle fatalities in Tennessee are down an incredible and surprising 9.7%. As a Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer I’ll have to say I was surprised and pleased with the decreased percentage in Tennessee.
As part of the Miller Law Office motor vehicle accident research program we monitor all Tennessee motor vehicle accident reports in the Media. According to the GHSA report Tennessee is one of 30 other states nationwide that have experienced a decline in fatalities so far in 2017.
States reporting a decrease in fatalities in 2017 also noticed a decrease in the number of registered riders. The report noted that Tennessee, for the first time in five years has fewer registered motorcycles.
According to the GHSA survey, “Motorcyclists are overrepresented in crashes and fatalities. In 2016, 5,286 motorcyclists lost their lives on America’s roads. In states without universal helmet laws, 11.5 times as many motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets.
The Factors In Play Causing The Rise And Fall:
- “Helmet Use
NHTSA estimates that motorcycle helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives in 2016. If all motorcyclists had worn helmets, an additional 802 lives could have been saved.2 - Licensing Issues
Twenty-seven percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2016 were riding their vehicles without valid motorcycle licenses at the time of the collisions. - Impaired Riding
In 2016, there were 4,950 motorcycle riders killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Of those, 1,259 (25%) were alcohol-impaired (BAC of .08 or higher). - Speeding
In 2016, 33 percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speed.”
This data is good news for Tennessee highway safety professionals and every citizen. We need to see that this trend continues and each of us can make a special effort to be alert and practice safe driving techniques when we are sharing the road with motorcyclists. Stay alert, don’t crowd or tailgate a motorcycle and don’t ride one if you are not properly licensed. The Miller Law Office has handled hundreds of motorcycle accident cases for people who have been injured and/or killed while riding motorcycles. If you or a loved one is injured or killed in an accident while riding a motorcycle give us a call for a free case evaluation to understand where you stand. 615-356-2000.
The post Motorcycle Fatalities Data Forecast For Tennessee Shows A Decline for 2017 appeared first on Miller Law Offices.
