The Chicago-Sun Times is reporting about the ongoing increase in motorcycle fatalities, thanks in part to more riders, rising gas prices and increased interest in riding.
Nationwide, motorcycle fatalities increased for the 11th straight year and accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A total of 5,290 riders were killed nationwide in 2008, compared to 5,174 in 2007. That’s in sharp contrast to the drop in fatality rates in virtually every other category, including a 13 percent decline in motor vehicle fatalities.
The Sun-Times reported that the combination of inexperienced riders and drivers who aren’t used to seeing so many cycles on the road have helped push the number of motorcycle crashes in the seven-county region to 2,663 last year.
That’s up 22 percent from 2,180 just two years earlier, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
In Cook County alone, the number was 1,654 in 2008 — up 26 percent from 2006.
Overall, the number of motorcycles registered in Cook County and the adjacent counties was up 6 percent last year over 2006, according to figures from the Illinois secretary of state’s office.
The Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers and injury attorneys at Abels & Annes urge motorists to watch out for motorcyclists and bikers, and to drive & ride safely.
Now through Labor Day is the height of bike season in Illinois and bikers are often injured or killed by cars that pull into their path because they either don’t look or they misjudge the speed of the smaller motorcycle.
The Chicago motorcycle attorneys at Abels & Annes are active in promoting motorcycle safety and awareness.
Please take a moment and review our blog on 10 things driver should know about motorcycles.
Our look at the impact of distracted driving and motorcycle accidents.
And our blog on Summer Motorcycle Safety.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, call the Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free consultation to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS.