Baltimore Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Spotlight on Motorcycle Safety

The single-most important step a motorcyclist can take is to wear a helmet, but not everyone does. The following statistics highlight the benefits of wearing a helmet and how it can save money and lives.

• In 2013, helmets saved approximately 1,630 lives and $2.8 billion in related costs.
• An additional $1.1 billion could have been saved that year if all motorcyclists had been wearing helmets.
• Helmets reduce the risk of fatal injury by 37%.
• Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by 69%.

In response to the high number of motorcycle crashes, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has recommended funding for a comprehensive range of safety programs to address things like proper rider training, use of protective gear, impaired riding and motorist awareness. The recommended programs include the following:

• Motorcycle Helmet Laws: GHSA recommend the use of DOT-certified helmets by all riders, regardless of age. States should be much more vigorous in enforcing motorcycle helmet laws in order to make sure that rider are not wearing helmets that do not meet DOT standards.
• Motorcycle Operating Training: GHSA recommends that all states require motorcycle training for minors and new riders by a qualified instructor.
• Impaired Motorcycle Programs: States are encouraged to develop and implement programs that address impairment, including fines, vehicle sanctions and other initiative that discourage riding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Licensing motorcyclists: States are encouraged to make it mandatory for all motorcyclists to obtain an operator’s license and endorsement, which would involve knowledge, skills and vision testing.
• Motorcycle Awareness Programs: GHSA recommends creating awareness programs that promote helmet use, raise awareness about licensing laws and impaired riding laws, and encourage the use of protective clothing.
• Motorcycle Research: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) should study the causes of motorcycle crashes in order to come up with effective ways to prevent future crashes.

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Motorcycle Crashes

 If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, our Maryland motorcycle accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton will aggressively pursue the maximum financial compensation for your injuries. Protecting your rights is our top priority. For a free consultation, call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie and Towson, allowing us to represent injured accident victims and their families throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood and Elkridge.