With 3,870 Ohio Motorcycle Accidents In 2013, 2015 Is Bound To Have A Few Unfortunate Crashes
Ohio residents thought they might never see warm temperatures again after the long, cold winter; but temperatures are already starting to drift upwards. With seasonably warm weather creeping up into the 60s, many Ohio residents want to spend more time outdoors. When temperatures rise, more motorcycles are on the road. According to a report from ABC News, Ohio’s roadways are about to be inundated with motorcyclists due to rising temperatures and the high number of registered Ohio motorcyclists- which is nearly 750,000.
ABC News reports that Ohio has more motorcycles than 45 other states in the country. Ohio has almost 750,000 registered motorcyclists. With such a large number of riders, safety is even more important. According to the ABC News report, motorcyclists who haven’t been out on the road in a while, as well as new motorcycle riders, will benefit greatly from taking a motorcycle education course. [http://www.abc6onyourside.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/More-Motorcycles-on-the-Road-than-Ever-103619.shtml, March 2015]
Data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety shows that in 2013, there were 3,870 Ohio motorcycle accidents. Of these crashes, there were 141 fatalities and 2,910 serious injuries. Fatalities occurred in 12.6 percent of all motorcycle accidents. When drivers or passengers did not wear a helmet, fatalities occurred in 62.4 percent of crashes. More motorcycle drivers between the ages of 50 and 55 were injured than in any other age bracket, followed closely by 46 to 50 and 21 to 25. Alcohol was a cause for motorcycle accidents in 25.5 percent of crashes in 2013. [http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/links/2013CrashFacts.pdf, March 2015]
The Ohio personal inure attorneys at Wright & Schulte LLC continue to represent men and women involved in unfortunately Mortorcyle accidents on Ohio roadways. The firms Ohio negligence attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and offer legal consultation to those in need of an Ohio attorney after being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Ohio doesn’t have many legal requirements for motorcycle drivers, but Ohio motorcycle drivers are required to have the following:
- Eye protection or a windshield
- Muffler
- Periodic safety inspections
- Skill test or rider education
- Helmets for drivers and passengers under age 18
- Working blinkers, taillights, and headlights
- Passenger seat and foot rest if carrying a passenger
In addition to the basic legal requirements, motorcyclists may also want to add additional protection for their safety, such as by always wearing a helmet and thick clothing to lessen injuries should a crash occur. Motorcyclists should avoid making sudden traffic moves and ensure clear visibility to the cars around them at all times. Motorcycle drivers should never drive while intoxicated. This is not only illegal, but also increases the chances of a dangerous and possibly deadly crash.
Passenger vehicle drivers can also do their part to prevent Ohio motorcycle accidents. Vehicle drivers should look carefully for motorcycles before making and sudden traffic moves, such as pulling in front of another vehicle or pulling onto a roadway. Simple awareness can go a long way toward preventing motorcycle accidents in Ohio. In 2013, Cuyahoga County, Franklin County, and Hamilton County had the most motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities; so both passenger vehicle drivers and motorcyclists should take special care when driving in those counties.
Contact:
Wright & Schulte LLC
865 S. Dixie Dr.
Vandalia, Ohio 45377
1-800-399-0795
