CHICAGO INJURY LAWYER REMINDS YOU THAT MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH
With warmer weather bringing motorcyclists out on their bikes, Motorcycle Awareness Month couldn’t come at a better time. State troopers and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) want to keep riders safe on the streets and will be offering free courses for riders in hope of continuing to reduce motorcycle fatalities. Beginner rider courses and experienced rider courses are offered to reduce the likelihood and severity of crash involvement by teaching risk management skills and developing essential riding skills through both classroom and riding instruction.
Since the safety program began three years ago, overall motorcycle fatalities in Illinois have dropped more than 11 percent. Motorcycle fatalities decreased from 157 in 2007 to 135 in 2008. The Illinois State Police attribute this success to the expanded educational opportunities for riders and drivers. Chicago has also reported fewer fatalities; in 2007 there were only 12 deaths, compared to 21 in 2006.
As part of Motorcycle Awareness Month, the Illinois State Police and IDOT are advocating their “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign to remind motorists to be aware of bikers on the road and to remind all motorists to share the road.
Additionally, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is encouraging all motorcyclists to follow five critical safety messages:
1. Get Trained and Licensed: Take advantage of safety courses such as those offered by the Illinois State Police, and get licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
2. Wear Protective Gear!! A helmet can be the difference between life and death. Illinois remains just one of three states that does not require riders to wear helmets...but just because you are free to not wear a helmet doesn’t mean you should! Keep in mind, 81% of people who died in a motorcycle accident in Illinois in 2007 were not wearing helmets.
3. Ride Unimpaired!! Do not drink or use drugs prior to getting on a motorcycle. Alcohol slows reactions and impairs function.
4. Ride Within Your Limits!! Do not ride faster or farther than your abilities can handle.
5. Be a Lifelong Learner. Regularly attend refresher riding courses.
“This is a great time of year, especially for motorcyclists, but they have to be mindful that riding is serious fun,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “It’s all about riders taking personal responsibility for risk management. Following these five guidelines should be a no-brainer for anyone who wants to enjoy a lifetime of motorcycle riding.”
The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll has had outstanding success representing people who have been injured or killed in motorcycle accidents. Most recently, Mr. Kroll recovered nearly $1.5 million for the family of a man who was participating in a Toys for Tots fundraiser when he was struck by a vehicle and killed while riding a motorcycle in a parade. Please contact us if you have been injured in an auto accident.
