Legislators Look to Add Motorcycle Safety to Drivers Ed

 Posted on March 16, 2015 in Personal Injury

To reduce the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities, an Illinois lawmaker introduced legislation that would teach motorcycle safety in drivers' education classes. Introduced by Representative Thomas Bennett, H.B. 1410 incorporates motorcycle safety and motorcycle awareness to behind-the-wheel classes for students. The goal is to not only teach safety lessons to future motorcycle drivers but to also teach future automobile drivers how to share the road with motorcyclists. Motorcycle safety training, however, is not as strictly demanded as regular drivers' education and there are often limited incentives for drivers to take motorcycle safety classes. As of 2013, only three states required an insurance discount to be provided to those drivers who complete approved motorcycle training course. While such a course is required in most states to take a motorcycle safety course in order to receive a motorcycle license, there is little regulation requiring car drivers to understand how to drive around motorcycles. This is exceedingly problematic considering an increasing number of motorcycle crashes are caused by cars and distracted drivers. Causes of Motorcycle Crashes Driver awareness of motorcycles is important, as the biggest danger to motorcyclists is often other drivers. It has been found that the other vehicle causes more than 60 percent of motorcycle accidents. In 2013, 4,668 people died in motorcycle crashes and 88,000 were injured. Furthermore, motorcyclists were 26 times more likely than car occupants to die in an accident and five times as likely to be injured. Motorcyclists make up 14 percent of all traffic deaths and this does not include any passengers that may have also been on the bike. While motorcycle deaths have declined in recent years, the numbers are staggering considering there are only 8.5 million motorcyclists on the road compared to 210 million car drivers. By incorporating motorcycle safety into drivers education classes that young drivers take prior or near the time they get their license, a basic understanding and appreciation of other non-car motorists is established in the youngest and most vulnerable drivers. The long-term goal is to help reduce accidents involving motorcycles and accidents in general. Contact Our Experienced Accident Attorneys It is imperative to reach out to a legal professional if you have been hurt in a wreck. Our skilled DuPage County motorcycle accident attorneys are prepared to assist you in filing a claim and ensuring you recover proper compensation for your injuries. Contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today for a consultation on your case.