All motorcycle accidents have the potential to be life-threatening but there are several elements that can discrepancies increase the chances that a motorcycle accident is fatal. Continue reading to learn more about these elements and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Whether or Not a Helmet is Worn
You may be hard-pressed to find someone who does not know that motorcycle rider should wear helmets, yet not everyone does. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the absolute most effective way to reduce the number of lives lost on motorcycles is to implement universal helmet laws. California has one but more than half of the states in the country have just a partial helmet law.
Why are these laws so important? In 2015 alone, the CDC estimates that more than 1,700 people’s lives were saved thanks to wearing helmets. In fact, wearing a motorcycle reduces the chance of head injury by almost 69% and death by nearly 37%.
A Person’s Age
It was once true, from 1970 to 2005, that most fatal motorcycle accidents involved riders under the age of 29. This is no longer true – now riders over the age of 50 are the most likely to die in a motorcycle accident. In fact, one out of every three fatal motorcycle accidents involves a rider aged 50 or older.
A Person’s Sex
It may not surprise you to learn that more than nine out of every ten fatal motorcycle accidents involve male riders. This is true at just about all age ranges with very little variance. The truth is simple: Men are much more likely to die in motorcycle accidents than women. While it is true that more men ride than women, that does not account for all of the discrepancy.
Not Carrying a Motorcycle License
Are you surprised to learn that more than 25% of fatal motorcycle accidents each year involve drivers without valid licenses? To put this into perspective, consider that less than 15% of fatal car accidents involve drivers without a license.
Alcohol
Just as you would expect, when a person gets on their motorcycle after having a few drinks, they are at more danger than if they had not been drinking. More than 25% of motorcycle fatalities involve a driver who had a blood alcohol concentration of more than the legal 0.08% limit.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you have suffered in a motorcycle accident then we encourage you to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to request a free legal consultation. We are standing by to help you find the best way forward. Call today and we can get started.
