Motorcycle Accident Information & Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In South-carolina

There were 106 motorcycle accidents that ended in death in 2005. The number of motorcycle accident fatalities in South Carolina increased to 109 in 2006. That means that 9.7 percent and 10.5 percent of all the accidents that happened in those years in South Carolina occurred on a motorcycle. Nationally, those percentages were 10.5 and 11.3. While South Carolina is below the national numbers, all of these numbers are high when you consider that only between two and four percent of the drivers on the road are riding a motorcycle. There are a number of laws in South Carolina, as well as around the nation, which are meant to curb the rising number of motorcycle accidents.

There were a total of 4,810 biker deaths in 2006. This was an increase of 2,688 from 2005, and the numbers continue to grow as they have for the past nine years. Ridership has increased over the past few years, as well, as many Americans look to cut their fuel costs. Bikers over the age of 21 may choose whether they wish to wear a helmet. If you are under 21, a helmet is required at all times. Riding without a helmet allows you to actually feel the wind in your hair. There are some statistics you should know before you decide if the hairy wind is worth it. 1,658 lives were saved in 2006 by safety helmets. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that another 752 lives could have been saved.

Eye protection is also required for those under 21 and those whose bike does not have a windshield. While safety glasses and goggles are optional, it is still a very good idea to wear some form of eye protection. 73 percent of drivers who are involved in accidents were not wearing any kind of eye covering. The amount of wind that hits you in the face as you ride at any speed can be considerable. There are all sorts of other things, like bugs and road debris, flying through the air. Any of these things can cause eyes to water or shut involuntarily. Even if the bike has a windshield, these other items may still strike your eye. It calculated that a rider has, at most, two seconds to avoid an accident. Anything that might delay the rider in seeing an obstacle or hazard can shorten that time considerably.

Headlights are required to be on at all times when riding in the state of South Carolina, as well. The majority of the accidents that occur involve some other vehicle on the road. Most of these situations arise because the driver of an automobile did not see the motorcycle until it was too late. Intersections are the most common location for these types of accidents. A motorcycle with its headlight on is much more likely to be seen than one without. A motorcycle can be very hard to see, especially when it coming straight at you. Modulating headlights are also allowed in every state. A modulating headlight gets brighter and dimmer four times every second. Supposedly, this variation in light is much more noticeable to another driver than a static light.

To be legally permitted to ride a motorcycle in South Carolina, you must first have a valid driver’s license. Once you pass a vision scan and a written knowledge test, you will receive a temporary permit. This allows you to ride under supervision during daylight hours. Once you feel comfortable riding, you may take and pass a road skills test. While there is no requirement, it is recommended that first time riders take a basic rider motorcycle course. Many different businesses may provide this type of training, as well a various motorcycle associations. Completing such a course will not waive your need to take the road skills test in South Carolina.

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