Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Louisiana

While gas prices are on the rise, more and more Americans are looking for ways to save money at the pump. Many more people are turning to motorcycles and scooters to try to take the sting out of gas prices. While no studies have been done to make certain, it is believed that this increase in riders has also contributed to the increase in the number of motorcycle accidents. At a national level, the number of motorcycle accidents has gone up every year for the past nine years. Individuals in Louisiana are immune to neither high gas prices nor the increase in two-wheeled wrecks. The number of Louisiana motorcycle accidents increased by 26.7 percent between 2005 and 2006. There were 75 accidents in Louisiana that ended in fatalities in 2005, which made up 7.8 percent of the total fatal accidents. In 2006 there were 95 or 9.7 percent of the total.

At a national level, motorcycle riders make up between two and four percent of the total number of drivers on the roads. Motorcycle accidents, however, account for between ten and twelve percent of the total number of accidents. There are a variety of reasons for these accidents. One-fourth of motorcycle accidents involve only one vehicle. A majority of these, about two-thirds, are due to driver error. Typically, these occur when a driver enters a corner too fast and either goes into a slide or under-steers and leaves their designated lane. About three percent are caused by imperfections and obstacles on the road. Another three percent happen due to vehicle failure, such as flat tires or engine stalling. 98% of motorcycle accidents have nothing to do with the weather.

The other three-quarters of motorcycle accidents are multi-vehicle crashes. Motorcycles can be much harder to see than other automobiles and, therefore, riders must be wary of other drivers. The most likely areas for these accidents to occur are at intersections. In a large number of these accidents, the drivers of the other vehicle state that they did not see the bike at all, or saw it too late to avoid it. Glare from an oncoming vehicle can obscure the driver’s vision, making the motorcyclist invisible to them. It is believed that riding with your headlight on at all times and wearing brighter clothing will help make you more visible on your bike.

In an effort to stem motorcycle related fatalities, Louisiana has made it mandatory for all drivers and passengers of two-wheeled vehicles to wear a safety helmet. A fine of fifty dollars is levied for each violation of the law. The most serious injuries in a motorcycle accident are to the chest, neck and head. It is estimated that 1,658 lives were saved by safety helmets in America in 2006. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believes that another 752 lives could have been saved with the use of head protection.

To get a Motorcycle license in Louisiana, you must first have a valid driver’s license. You also have to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test to gain your permit. You may then either take a road skills test on your own bike or take and pass a motorcycle safety course. The safety course begins in the classroom and helps riders become more familiar with their bike and some of the road laws. The class then moves outside and onto the bikes where more of the basics are taught. Shifting gears on the bike, braking, turning, controlling skids and overcoming obstacles are all a part of the course. The teachers of these courses must all be certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. All of this is geared towards lowering the number of motorcycle accidents in Louisiana.

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