Warning from Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Wisconsin saw 13 fatal motorcycle accidents in April – more than twice the number of fatalities usually reported in the month. These accidents raised the death toll to 16 for the year, continuing a deadly trend begun in late 2009. Between September and December, 15 bikers lost their lives on Wisconsin roads.
Even with the noticeable increase in motorcycle fatalities across the state, it is important to point out the overall drop in deaths for the past few years.
2007 was the deadliest year for motorcyclists in Wisconsin history, with more than 100 fatal motorcycle accidents. Then, in 2008, that number dropped to 87. In 2009, it went even lower, settling at 84.
In fact, across the country, motorcycle accidents and fatalities are decreasing. In 2009, there were less than 5,000 deaths, due in large part to accident decreases in 35 states – including Wisconsin.
Even with the national drop in motorcycle fatalities, and especially in light of Wisconsin’s recent spike, it is important to remember that there is always more to be done in making the roads safer.
The responsibility for motorcycle safety, in most cases, really comes down on two parties.
For bikers, it is important to practice safe riding – whether that means wearing a helmet, slowing down or utilizing proper “road manner.” Under Wisconsin law, bikers are not legally required to wear a safety helmet, but it is absolutely imperative that a helmet be worn.
If you can pair that with leather riding gear, or other motorcycle-specific clothing, all the better.
For other drivers, the biggest thing you can do is check your rearview mirrors and blind spots.
Bikers can be hard to see, and if you shift lanes quickly or turn without checking your mirrors, you could miss them. Take a few seconds to do a thorough check of the road around you shift lanes or turn.
There probably won’t be any impending accidents lurking, but by checking, you can remove that possibility entirely.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. to schedule a free consultation.
Related Resources: Wisconsin Motorcycle-related Deaths Rise in April (Green Bay Press Gazette – article no longer available online)