With spring right around the corner, Wisconsin’s roadways will see an increasing amount of motorcyclists out enjoying the warmer weather. While this is something to eagerly look forward to if you are a motorcycle owner, it is also something to be cautious about. The fact of the matter is, injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents are not uncommon in Wisconsin.
Motorcycle Crash Statistics
Current reports show that between 2013 and 2017 there were 11, 007 crashes involving motorcycles. Out of those crashes, 394 people died and 10, 217 were injured. The report also showed that, out of those killed, 383 were motorcyclists. A recent news story reported that crashes involving motorcycles occur approximately every 4 hours in Wisconsin, on average.
Unfortunately, these statistics aren’t showing signs of changing. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 2018 had 85 fatal crashes that resulted in 92 fatalities. And so far, 2019 has had 67 fatal crashes resulting in 69 fatalities, with 32 of them happening in February alone.
Motorcycle Accident Prevention Tips
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, you know how quickly things can happen, and how difficult it is to prevent. While prevention of these accidents may be difficult, there are precautions that can be taken to make sure you have the best chance of survival as a motorcycle driver or passenger including some of the following safety tips.
Wear Appropriate Gear
Before saddling up, put on safety gear including leather clothing, boots with nonskid soles, gloves and of course, a helmet. You may also want to consider applying reflective tape to your clothing to make yourself more visible to other drivers
Follow Traffic Rules
Obey the speed limit, do not weave in and out of traffic, and make sure to signal.
Ride Defensively
Motorcycles can often be difficult to see, making visibility a large cause of accidents. Don’t assume that other drivers can see you, and do all you can to make yourself visible. This means riding with your headlights on at all times, staying out of a driver’s blind spot and signaling well in advance before you change lanes or directions.
Never Drive Distracted, Tired, or Intoxicated
Simply put, drive sober and when you have had enough rest. Also, never attempt to use your cell phone while riding.
Make Sure Your Bike is Safe to Ride
Check your tire pressure and tread often. Make sure it is free from leaks. Check your lights, breaks, clutch, and throttle to make sure all are working properly. Basic maintenance can ensure that your bike is fit for the road.
When Accidents Happen, Contact Our Green Bay Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Even with all the precautions taken, accidents do happen. They can be devastating physically, emotionally and psychologically, and can take months or even years to recuperate from.
If you are a victim of a motorcycle accident, getting the right lawyer who can help may very make all the difference in your recovery. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Appleton motorcycle crash attorneys by calling 920-739-7366 today.
Sources:
https://mediaassets.tmj4.com/document/2018/05/07/2013-Preliminary%202017%20Crashes%20Involving%20a%20Motorcycle_86101956_ver1.0.pdf?_ga=2.194623405.1897814144.1551986830-148944282.1551986830
https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/a-motorcycle-crashes-roughly-every-four-hours-on-wisconsin-roadways-statistics-show
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/newsroom/statistics/fatality.aspx