MOTORCYCLE DEATHS DOWN LOCALLY AND NATIONALLY
While the title may be encouraging, it may also be misleading. It is true that motorcycle deaths have fallen by roughly 10% nationally and closer to 18% in the Six County Chicagoland area from 2008 to 2009. The Illinois State Police did have a campaign to reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities in 2009.
Perhaps the safety tips are working, but the fact of the matter is the staggering economy has something to do with the decrease in deaths. Motorcycles, for many, are a discretionary item. Discretionary items are some of the first things that are eliminated when one’s pocketbook is hit.
On a different but related note, there are better motorcycle helmets. There are newer safety campaigns aimed at auto drivers being more aware and more conscious of motorcyclists.
Finally, one cannot count out our “weather” for the drop in motorcycle deaths. Since the 2009 riding season, it has been colder and wetter than normal. This may yet be another factor in reducing the number of motorcyclists on the road.
The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll handles transportation negligence personal injury and wrongful death matters.
