According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 35,092 people killed in car accidents in the United States in 2015. This was a seven percent increase from 2014, and the biggest increase in almost 50 years. There was also an increase in injuries, amounting to 2.44 million people injured in 2015.
With the exception of that year, traffic fatalities have generally decreased over the past decade. Education has improved seatbelt use and resulted in a decrease in impaired driving. However, this year marked an increase in fatalities and injuries across almost all segments of the population. The increase could be a result of an increased use of handheld devices. Indeed, the use of handheld devices among drivers has increased substantially over the past 10 years.
In addition to an increase in overall traffic fatalities, motorcyclist fatalities in the United States increased by eight percent, or 382 people, in 2015. It was the greatest increase since 2012. This resulted in a total of 4,976 motorcyclist fatalities. Motorcyclists are more likely than passenger car occupants to be killed if an accident occurs. Research has showed the fatality rate for motorcyclists is about six times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants. Research has also found that just 33 percent of the motorcyclists were speeding near the time of the fatal accident. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were 8.4 million private and commercial motorcycles on the roads in 2014. Motorcycles can be dangerous, and there have been efforts to increase rider safety classes in recent years. Some states even provide insurance discounts for motorcyclists who complete motorcycle training courses.
According to recent statistics, Maryland also had an increase in traffic fatalities in 2015, as well as in motorcyclist fatalities. Both were the first increases since 2012.
Motorcyclist Killed as Trailer Backed Out of Driveway
According to one news article, a man was killed recently as he was riding his motorcycle on a highway. Shortly after 11:00 p.m., the man crashed into a trailer that had been backing out of a private driveway onto the highway. The man was taken to the hospital after the motorcycle accident, but he died soon after the accident. A woman had been riding on the motorcycle as well, and she was injured but in stable condition. Both the driver and the passenger were in their 50s. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but it is generally incumbent upon a driver backing out of a driveway to ensure that the path is clear before entering traffic.
Contact a Baltimore Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have nearly two decades of experience representing victims in Baltimore and across the Maryland and Washington, D.C. regions. Our lawyers understand that motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, pharmacy errors, and other acts of negligence can have a permanent and devastating impact on victims and families. Our firm is prepared to vigorously assert your rights and to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 1-800-654-1949 or 410-654-3600 or online for a free consultation.
More Blog Posts:
Multi-Vehicle Accidents Involving Motorcyclists, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 4, 2016.
Motorcycle Passenger Killed in Head-On Collision with Drunk Driver, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 17, 2016.