After a pandemic year in 2020, we are entering a Spring and Summer that differs from many before it. Many people continue to remain home for school and work, among other activities. That reality has led to decreased traffic on our roadways. That being said, more and more people are being vaccinated to provide added protection against the Coronavirus. With this, restrictions are slowly being lifted and capacities are increasing.
Generally speaking, Hamilton, Ohio roadways experience increased traffic congestion, road construction, and drinking & driving during the Spring and Summer. In the Spring and Summer, more people travel for vacation and major holidays like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July can lend to dangerous behavior while driving.
For motorcyclists who just want to get out on the open road and take advantage of the warmer temperatures, that increased vehicle traffic lends to increased danger.
In the United States, the majority of fatal motorcycle accidents occur in June, July, and August. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, motorcycle fatalities from 2015 to 2019 have ranged from 163, 200, 157, 144, to 160.[i] That may seem like a small number until you consider that those statistics make Ohio one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. For instance, in 2019, Ohio saw 1,039 fatal crashes.[ii] In short, motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are about 27 times as likely as passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash.[iii]
Motorcyclists can better protect themselves by becoming familiar with and utilizing safe riding practices and by helping to educate other motorists around them. Most importantly, both motorcyclists and other drivers need to be aware of the size and visibility of motorcycles and the safety concerns that creates. Motorcyclists should be aware of reactionary practices such as downshifting, weaving, and other methods to be used in anticipation of the behaviors of other motorists.
Even still, it’s impossible for motorcyclists to control the actions of other drivers on the road. Safe driving may be the highest priority for motorcyclists, but accidents are still a very real possibility.
Navigating Motorcycle Accidents
Injuries due to motorcycle collision are often life-altering and can involve prolonged medical treatment. Wrongful death cases as a result of motorcycle accidents often involve additional concerns compared to other personal injury cases. The Richards Firm provides personal, compassionate service to clients who face the challenges that come with a motorcycle accident. Having handled numerous motorcycle cases, The Richards Firm is prepared to provide you with a proven approach that will give you the answers that you need and achieve the results that you to which you are entitled.
For a motorcycle injury and wrongful death attorney in the Hamilton, Ohio area, contact The Richards Firm today.
To stay up to date with future posts and local legal news, follow The Richards Firm on Facebook (@TheRichardsFirm) or on Twitter (@FirmRichards).
[i] https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/statistics/statspage3.asp
[ii] https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state#fatal-crash-totals
[iii] https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety
