You are smart to be concerned about motorcycle safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a motorcyclist is about 34 times more likely to die in a Wisconsin motor vehicle crash than the driver of a passenger car. Motorcyclists are also more likely to sustain severe injuries. The injury rate for all motor vehicle accidents is 28 percent; however, 95 of motorcycle accidents result in injuries. Almost half of these injuries are serious.
In 1981, Hugh Hurt, a professor at the University of southern California, published a comprehensive study of motorcycle accidents called Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, later known widely as the "Hurt Report.” This was the first and only study of this type.
After investigating 900 motorcycle accident scenes and analyzing 3,600 motorcycle traffic accident reports, Dr. Hurt and his team determined that there are three main factors that can protect motorcyclists from death or serious injury:
- Always wear a helmet. Helmets are the best protection from serious brain injury. Protective clothing can prevent other, less severe injuries such as road rash, abrasion and lacerations.
- Stay visible to other drivers. Many car-motorcycle accidents occur because the driver did not see the motorcyclist. Wear bright colors like red, yellow, or orange to increase your visibility. Wear reflective clothing and always use a light at night.
- Get training. Experience makes a difference. More than half of motorcycle accident victims had been riding their bike for less than five months, although some has prior experience.
If you or someone you love was injured in a Wisconsin motorcycle crash, request a free copy of The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims. If you’d like to discuss your claim with a Wisconsin accident lawyer, contact Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678.