Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Kentucky

Seven to twelve percent of all vehicle accidents that end in fatalities involve a motorcycle. This statistic is rather surprising when you consider that motorcycle drivers make up only about two to four percent of the drivers on the roads in America. Motorcycle accidents in Kentucky fall within the national average. In 2005 there were 89 motorcycle accidents that resulted in death, which made up nine percent of the total in Kentucky. In 2006 that number increased to 98 or 10.7 percent of the total. This increase matches national statistics as well. Fatal motorcycle accidents have increased for the past nine years in a row.

It is almost impossible to add many safety features to motorcycles and scooters. If you started adding roofs, seat belts and extra tires for stability, you no longer have a motorcycle. Couple this with a lack of training and experience, and it is understandable why over eighty percent of motorcycle accidents end in injury or death. And more than half of all motorcycle wrecks involve a rider with less than five month of experience. It is very easy to enter a curve too fast and slide out or under-steer the corner and either leave the roadway or enter a lane of oncoming traffic.

There are many other variables to motorcycle accidents. About three percent are caused by defects in the road, such as potholes and uneven pavement, and animals in the roadway. A little over two percent are caused by some sort of vehicle failure like a flat tire or stalled engine. Surprisingly, weather is only a factor in about two percent of accidents. Because motorcycles present a smaller profile to drivers of cars and trucks, over three-fourths of all accidents involve another vehicle. Most of these occur at intersections. The other drivers in these accidents often claim that they did not see the bike or the rider or that they saw them too late to avoid them. Simple glare from another windshield can make a motorcyclist invisible to the other driver.

Safety helmets are required by Kentucky for all motorcycle drivers under the age of 21, those who hold just a permit and those who have held their motorcycle endorsement under a year. While riders 21 and older can choose whether they wish to wear a helmet, they must still wear eye protection at all times, as must passengers. To get your endorsement in Kentucky, you must first have a valid driver’s license and be at least eighteen years old. Those under eighteen wishing to ride must have their parent or legal guardian sign for them. Then you must take a written knowledge test to gain your driver’s permit. After that, there are two options for riders over eighteen. They can either take a motorcycle rider’s course or wait at least one month to take and pass the motorcycle road skills test. Riders under eighteen must take the course.

Kentucky is home to one of the largest man-made lakes in the eastern United States. Kentucky Lake has over 2,400 miles of shoreline and is over 184 miles in length. This gorgeous stretch of lake is a prime spot to enjoy a motorcycle or scooter. However, there are also many hazards that can cause motorcycle accidents. Winding roads and blind spots can prevent other drivers from seeing you. Distractions can take a motorcyclist’s attention from the road. Excessive speed and alcohol can cause dangerous crashes. Please, enjoy Kentucky. And, if you choose to ride a motorcycle while there, please obey all of the laws, never drink and drive and always drive defensively. Don’t become another motorcycle accident statistic.

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