Facts About Today's Motorcyclists
There are more motorcycles being ridden in the United States than ever before. In these tough economic times, motorcycles can seem more appealing because of their efficient gasoline mileage and cheap payment options. Today’s motorcycle riders represent almost every demographic. Motorcyclists are men and women, young and old.
Compared with demographic information from years past, there are especially more women riding. The average age of a motorcyclist has also increased. With these diverse riders, it is not just young men involved in accidents anymore.
Common factors in motorcycle accidents include:
- Gender: In 2008, only 9 percent of motorcycle deaths were female riders; however, about 89 percent of passengers killed in motorcycle accidents throughout the U.S. were women.
- Age: Young people are not the only ones riding motorcycles anymore. In fact, there are more people age 40 and older involved in fatal motorcycle accidents than ever before.
- Motorcycle: Sport motorcycles are involved in the majority of crashes. These usually have a mid-size engine to maximize speed and handling, giving a false sense of control.
- Location: Fatal motorcycle accidents in Georgia tend occur on rural roads.
- Helmet: Some riders refuse to wear a helmet, and many states do not have a helmet law. Wearing a motorcycle helmet while riding is the law in Georgia; when riders do not wear a helmet, they have a higher chance of being killed in a crash.
- Alcohol: In 2008, alcohol was reported in 37 percent of motorcycle crashes throughout the United States. When motorcyclists drink and ride, they are at an increased risk of being injured in a Georgia motorcycle crash.
- Speed: Losing control of a motorcycle can easily happen when riding at a high speed.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Georgia due to someone else’s negligent driving, you may have rights to compensation.
Please contact an experienced lawyer at (404) 907-1594 for a free discussion of your potential case today. Kalka & Baer LLC will provide you with a free legal consultation and a free copy of attorney Tony Kalka’s book, Sharing the Road and Surviving the Crash: 5 Common Myths About Georgia Claims and More.
