It’s officially Motorcycle Month in the state of Ohio and the motorcycle accident attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. would like to share some information about motorcycle safety and accident facts that have been gathered over the past few years. As you’re gearing up to hit the open road on the back of your hog, cruiser, or sportbike this spring and summer, please take the time to inform yourself about the dangers of motorcycling and how accidents with other drivers can be avoided.
According to official numbers out of Columbus, there were at least 470 fatal motorcycle accidents between 2011 and 2013. In addition, there were also at least 11,078 injuries during that time. In our particular region of the state, Trumbull County saw 263 accidents, Mahoning County saw 238, and Columbiana County was host to 139 motorcycle accidents in that same time period.
Last year alone, there were at least 132 motorcycle-related deaths in the state. Although that number was down 19% from 2012, state officials and motorcycle advocacy groups say the number is still way too high.
What many don’t realize, especially non-motorcyclists, is that bikers were found at fault only a little more than half the time. That means that, in addition to motorcyclists being careful on our highways and byways, motor vehicle drivers must also begin taking some serious responsibility when it comes to sharing the road with bikers.
State officials have said that to get the number of crashes and subsequent fatalities that stem from motorcycle accidents down, bikers are encouraged to keep up with training classes and to wear the proper safety gear–especially helmets! According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, only 29% of people killed in motorcycle accidents between 2011 and 2013 were wearing their helmets.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the motorcycle accident advocates at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C. For more than 25 years, Attorney Hartman and his trusted team of associates have been representing bikers and their families who have been injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. As a motorcycle enthusiast himself, Dallas knows what it takes to win your motorcycle accident case. Call 800-777-4081 today for free preliminary consultation. Stay safe and happy biking!
Source: WKBN, “Motorcycle Month” 4 May 2014