Motorcycle Deaths Decreased in 2014

 Posted on October 15, 2014 in Personal Injury

It is well known that riding a motorcycle can be a dangerous activity. The issue of motorcycle safety is especially prevalent in the warmer months, as the weather encourages more motorcycle riders to venture out onto the road. Perhaps these safety initiatives, some of which have been the focus of this blog in the past, are starting to pay off. Data released by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) indicates that tragedies caused by motorcycle accidents are currently down this year as compared to years past, as reported by a recent news article.

Decrease in Fatalities

IDOT is reporting that the number of motorcycle crash fatalities that have occurred so far in 2014 shows a significant decrease in numbers as compared to those that occurred in 2013. Across the state of Illinois, 60 deaths occurred involving motorcycle riders from January to July. This number is actually a 30 percent decrease from the number of deaths that occurred during the same time span last year, which was 84. Of course, numbers collected throughout the rest of the year will have to be factored into these statistics before a full comparison can be drawn.

Room for Improvement

While this drop in numbers does signal an improvement, officials are quick to say that any number of deaths resulting from motorcycle accidents are more than what they want. Motorcycle rights activists acknowledge the recreation is inherently dangerous, but the fact remains that for some people, riding a motorcycle is their primary means of transportation, so they assume the risks of riding.

Activists are also saying that any data collection should not include the number of fatalities associated with motorcycle crashes that occur each year, but the total number of motorcycles that are registered on the road should also factor into their evaluation. Notably, the total number of motorcycles registered to be on Illinois roadways has gone down slightly in 2014 as compared to the number of bikes that were registered last year, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office. This does not, however, reflect the larger trend of an overall increase in the number of registered bikes over the last decade in the state.

It is interesting to note that the current decrease in motorcycle fatalities comes despite a law that took effect earlier in the year increasing the speed limit on Illinois rural interstates. Increasing the speed in Illinois put the state on equal ground with other surrounding states with the posted speed limits on highways. Motorcycle rights activists take the position that consistent speed limits in states across the country actually go a long way in making the roads safer for riders.

Accident Injury Attorneys

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the experienced DuPage County personal injury attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can listen to the facts of your case and advise your of your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We have offices located in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Naperville.