Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Maine

Maine is an absolutely beautiful state. The landscape is full of heavily forested countryside, rich and lush valleys, and clean mountain air. Riding a motorcycle in Maine can be incredibly relaxing and enjoyable. While the weather only allows for riding for a few months out of the year, except for perhaps a few die hard riders, motorcycle accidents in Maine are still in line with national statistics. Nationally, motorcycle accidents make up ten to twelve percent of all fatal accidents that occur. This is a bit surprising when you find that motorcycle riders only make up two to four percent of the total number of drivers on the road. There were fifteen fatal motorcycle accidents in Maine in 2005, which accounted for 8.9 percent of the total accidents. That number jumped to 12.2 percent or 23 accidents in 2005. That is a 53.3 percent change in just one year. National statistics show that motorcycle accidents have increased every year for the past nine years.

Perhaps the number of rider fatalities in motorcycle drivers is not as surprising when you look at the characteristics of a motorcycle. All two-wheeled vehicles are inherently less safe than other forms of transportation. It is impossible to add things such as seat belts, safety cages and airbags to a motorcycle. When an accident occurs, riders and their passengers are highly likely to come into direct contact with the road and other obstacles. Inexperienced and under-trained riders are at an even greater risk. More than half of motorcycle accidents involve riders with less than five months of experience. It is estimated that a rider has less than two seconds to avoid an accident, and, without proper instruction and experience, two seconds is not enough time.

Almost one-fourth of these accidents involve only the motorcycle. Most commonly, a rider will slide out or leave the roadway. Entering a corner at a high rate of speed can cause the tires to slip out from under the bike and send the driver careening down the road. If there is another obstacle present or the rider enters an oncoming lane of traffic, further injury will occur. Vehicle failure, such as flat tires and stalled engines, accounts for only about three percent of the fatal motorcycle accidents. Road imperfections, like potholes and ridges, and animals in the roadway account for another three percent of the causes of crashes.

The other three-quarters of the motorcycle wrecks involve another vehicle of some sort. Lack of attention on the part of both the rider and the operator of the other vehicle is a huge contributing factor. Motorcycles can also be very hard to see. With a slimmer profile and much less bulk than most vehicles on the road, even simple distractions can hide a motorcyclist. For instance, the glare of sunlight off any item in the environment can effectively mask the motorcycle. While keeping the headlight turned on at all times and wearing brighter clothing can help make a rider more visible, that person must still keep their attention on the road and other drivers. The most common place for collisions to occur is at an intersection. Most passenger vehicle drivers claim not to have seen a motorcycle at all, or too late to avoid hitting them.

There are laws in place in Maine to try to cut down the numbers of fatalities for motorcyclists. Helmets are not required for most licensed and experienced riders in Maine, however, eye protection must be worn. The exceptions to the helmet law are individuals who are only driving on a permit or who have had their license for less than one year. To become licensed in Maine, you must first possess a valid driver’s license and then take a written knowledge test to gain your permit. You may then either take a road skills test in order to gain your motorcycle endorsement or take a class. Classes are provided by Motorcycle Education of Maine and teach common road skills such as shifting gears, stopping, turning, etc. With the completion of the course, it is possible to waive the road skills test to gain your motorcycle endorsement.

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