Riding a motorcycle in New York poses a unique set of challenges. Due to the nature of riding motorcycles, riders are highly susceptible to injuries and even death when involved in collisions.
The Facts
Motorcyclists in New York City are at an unbalanced risk of death. According to the New York City Department of Transportation Office of Research, Implementation & Safety, motorcycles account for just 2% of registered vehicles in New York City, but from 2010-2014, motorcyclists made up 14% of the city’s traffic mortalities. In addition, the fatal crash rate in New York City is almost double the rate for New York State riders.
Almost half of motorcyclist fatality cases concerned riders who were not correctly licensed to operate them. At 56%, over half of the motorcyclist fatalities involved riders less than 35 years old. Just about all motorcycle fatalities in New York City involved men.
Most motorcycle crashes involving injuries happened in the afternoons or evenings and on the weekends. Throughout the year, the highest number of crashes occur during the summertime.
Alcohol use was less extensive in fatal motorcycle accidents than in the majority of passenger vehicle fatalities in New York City, as well as on the national level.
Most motorcycle fatalities transpired on city streets instead of highways.
What Can You Do?
If you are a motorcycle rider, there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe on the road:
- Always wear a DOT certified motorcycle helmet
- Always wear protective gear, like a chest protector
- Stay aware of your surroundings and expect that vehicles won’t see you
- Always leave yourself a way out
As a passenger vehicle driver on the road, there are things you can do to help protect motorcyclists on the road:
- Look twice for motorcycles; they’re harder to spot
- Move over for motorcyclists; they’re smaller and have nothing to protect them in the event of a collision
- Increase your driving distance when you’re behind a motorcycle
- Check your blind spots frequently
If you find yourself involved in a motorcycle accident, it is in your best interest to seek the best legal representation possible. The experienced attorneys at Koenigsberg & Associates have a proven track record for successful motorcycle accident cases.
Call Koenigsberg & Associates today at (718) 690-3132 to speak with an attorney about your potential case.