Georgia Law Blog

Last week, a study performed by the insurance industry stated the addition of anti-lock brakes on motorcycles has reduced the number of fatal crashes by 38% because this type of brake system assists a cyclist in coming to a more secure stop. The study was performed due to an alarming increase in fatalities due to motorcycle accidents: more than 5,100 individuals were killed in motorcycle wrecks in 2007, representing almost double the number of fatalities in the late 1990s.

In fact, many studies have been conducted with regard to motorcycle safety and injuries. In August 2008, a study by a team of researchers aimed to identify the characteristics of lower-extremity injuries due to motorcycle accidents by gathering informational statistics from several studies done between 1997-2006. The study confirmed that the most common injury relating to a wreck of this nature is to the lower-extremity: specifically leg, foot, and ankle injuries with bone fractures and potentially torn ligaments. Surprisingly, head injuries and other upper extremity injuries fall second in the list of common injuries, though naturally head injuries tend to be more severe and have potentially longer-term affects.

There are around 7 million motorcycles registered currently, according to the Federal Highway Administration. This number will only increase; thus, it is necessary for all drivers to be particularly cautious on the roadways with motorcyclists. It is also necessary for cyclists and their representatives to be aware of each state’s motorcycle laws. The American Motorcyclist Association provides these laws per state on their website, found at: http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, please contact my Douglasville law firm for a free consultation.