MOTORCYLE CRASHES ON THE RISE IN CHICAGOLAND AREA
A seven-county survey performed by the Chicago Sun Times has found that motorcycle crash rates have increased significantly in the Chicago area in the last two years. A primary explanation of this spike is due to the increased number of motorcycles out on the road. According to the Illinois Secretary of State's office, the number of motorcycles registered in Cook County and the collar counties in 2008 was up 6% from 2006.
Cook County, not surprisingly, had the highest number of motorcycle crashes, recording 1,309 in 2006, 1,592 in 2007 and 1,654 in 2008. Only Kendall County reported a decline in crashes, with 40 in 2005, 37 in 2007 and 33 in 2008. Every other collar county (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will) all recorded increases each year. The total number of crashes for Cook and the outer-lying collar counties in 2006 was 2,180. This figure jumped nearly 22% percent in 2008 with 2,663 crashes recorded.
Despite the rising number of crashes, the number of actual motorcycle fatalities in the Chicago area rose only slightly between 2006 and 2008. Nevertheless, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the national rate of motorcycle death rose 2.2% last year. Fortunately, the NHTSA also reports some happier news: the death rate for passenger vehicles dropped 13% last year.
The Hurt Study, which is the most comprehensive motorcycle study to date, concluded that the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to recognize the presence of motorcyclists on the road. This has important ramifications for everyone on the road. As drivers, we need to be more aware of what is going on in our surroundings. Be alert and limit your distractions by putting your phone out of reach or even turning it off. As motorcyclists, we need to drive more defensively, recognizing that drivers may very well not see us, and actively make ourselves more visible by wearing reflective clothing and using other protective equipment. If you or a loved one ride, consider taking a safety course.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll. Our team of highly-qualified, experienced and compassionate attorneys has what it takes to recover what you rightfully deserve.
