Motorcycle deaths, injuries cost $16 billion

WASHINGTON— Direct costs from deaths and injuries due to motorcycle crashes were $16 billion in 2010, but the full cost is likely higher because long-term medical expenses are difficult to measure, a government report said.

Motorcyclists are involved in fatal crashes at higher rates than drivers of other types of vehicles, and are 30 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than passenger car occupants, according to the Government Accountability Office report.

In 2010, 82,000 motorcyclists were injured and 4,502 were killed in crashes, the report said. The average cost for a fatal crash was estimated at $1.2 million, while the cost for injuries ranged from $2,500 to $1.4 million depending upon the severity.

It's difficult to determine the full costs with accuracy because some types of costs are difficult to measure, the report said. For example, treating serious injuries can be long and expensive, but follow-up analyses of costs are conducted only for a few years. Also, other consequences of long-term injuries such as changes in employment and living status can't be fully measured, the report said.

Laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proven effective in reducing fatalities and injuries, the report said. Several studies have estimated helmets reduce the risk of death by as much as 39 percent, the report said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated helmets saved the lives of 1,550 motorcyclists in 2010.

However, there has been strong opposition from motorcycle groups to "universal" helmet laws, and only 19 states have them. Another 28 states have "partial" helmet laws that require only some motorcyclists to wear helmets, usually riders under age 21 or under age 18.

Three states have no helmet laws: Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire. Earlier this year, Michigan legislators repealed that state's helmet requirement for motorcyclists over 21. Other proposals to repeal mandatory helmet laws were considered in California, Maryland, Missouri and Tennessee.

While many motorcycle groups endorse the use of helmets, they also oppose mandatory helmet laws as infringements on personal liberties and their right to assume the risk of riding without a helmet, the report said.

"We are 100 percent pro-helmet, and 100 percent anti-helmet law," Jeff Hennie, vice president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, said. "Putting a helmet law in place does not reduce motorcycle fatalities."

Educating other motorists to look out for motorcyclists, and teaching motorcyclists how to ride safely, "is the ultimate solution for saving lives," he said.

But Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, which supports mandatory helmet laws, said: "Education is not a substitute for wearing a helmet." "It's like saying if you take a driver's ed class, you don't have to wear your seat belt," she said. "Now how silly is that?"

Partial helmet laws are also difficult to enforce because it's hard for police to tell the age of motorcyclists as they go whizzing by, she said.

The National Transportation Safety Board dropped mandatory helmet laws from their list of ten "most wanted" safety improvements earlier this month, angering some safety advocates.

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Source: AP (11/28)

Holiday gift ideas for bikers

The holidays are just around the corner. If you are having difficulties on getting something for that special someone, do not worry, Biker Lawyer has you covered!

Great gifts for him:

Water-resistant 100% nylon twill with poly-twill quilted lining. Zipper front. Rib-knit collar, cuffs and waist. Two zipper hand-warmer pockets and two interior pockets. Embroidered appliqué on right sleeve, front and back.

The Microwire™ is woven into a heating matrix within the glove and provides consistent heat coverage to the entire length of each finger, including the thumb as well as the back of the hand. 95% leather, 5% neoprene gloves with waterproof, breathable Aquatex™ lliner. Electrical plug-ins built into gauntlet cuff. Includes connecting harness, power switch, and three prong harness to go up jacket sleeves. Can be worn alone or with other heated clothing. Padded palms, drawcord closure and graphics in contrasting colors.

Hybrid fiberglass composite shell that results in a lighter weight than traditional fiberglass shells. Quick release face shield mechanism. Front and rear vent to provide maximum air flow. Removable, washable Nylex® liner wicks moisture away for maximum comfort. Fits P&A Helmet Headset and Road Tech™ Helmet Headset with Bluetooth® 2.0 Technology (P/N 98272-09VM) sold separately. Helmet bag included. Custom graphics.

Great gifts for her:

Ideal vest for adding patches and pins. Lightweight leather with poly-twill lining. V-neck with snap front. Embroidered graphics on left hem.

Constructed of full grain leather upper, full length cushion sock lining, and YKK® locking inside zipper. Rubber mini-lug outsole and Goodyear® welt construction. Shaft height: 12.5"; Heel height: 1.5". Riding appropriate footwear.

Fiberglass shell. Double D-ring chin strap. Chin and forehead venting. Tool-free removable face shield. Helmet bag included. Allover graphics. Meets DOT requirements. KBC®, 3 lbs. 8 oz.

Preventing Motorcycle Theft

The holidays are just around the corner and its a season to enjoy family, but we must not forget that it is also the season for high theft rate. Here are some tips to prevent theft during the holidays.

• Lock your ignition and remove the key. Most bike thefts occur when the ignition is shut off, but not locked.

• Lock the forks or disk brakes with locks that have large, brightly colored tags.

• If traveling with other riders, lock motorcycles together when not in use.

• If riding alone, lock your bike to a secure, stationary object that can’t be easily dismantled, such as a light pole.

• Add an audible alarm to your motorcycle.

• When traveling and spending the night at a hotel, locate an outdoor security camera and park your bike in the camera’s view. If this is not possible, park your bike close to your room.

• Keep an eye on your bike. When parking at a public event, check your motorcycle periodically, especially immediately after leaving your bike, to make sure there are no suspicious individuals lurking about.

• If parking in a garage, block your bike with automobiles, close the garage door and make sure it is locked.

• Don’t store your title in your bike’s storage compartment, tank bag or saddlebag. The safest place for your title is at home.

• Uniquely mark and then photograph your bike. If thieves take your bike, note its unique markings to law enforcement using the photos you have taken.

• Keep your bike registration and insurance identification card on you when you ride.

• Be careful about giving out private information on where you live, work or play.

If you use a trailer to transport your motorcycle, follow these safety tips:

• Park the trailer in a well-lit location near security cameras or in an area easily seen by restaurant, hotel or event staff.

• Lock the trailer doors and hitch.

• Secure doors by backing up to a wall, so there is not enough room for doors to be opened.

• Know your trailer identification and license plate registration numbers.

• When riding home, make sure you’re not being followed.

Guard against theft when selling your bike:

Using fake identities has become common in bike thefts. Don’t turn over the title until you can verify the check or money order is valid and has cleared the bank. Mail the title to the new owner.

• Ask the buyer for his or her name, address, date of birth and driver’s license number. Then ask to see the driver’s license and check that the information given matches the license.

• Be especially cautious of anyone who presents out-of-state identification.

• Make sure the potential buyer wasn’t dropped off by another party and is planning to take a one-way test ride with your bike. Verify that the buyer owns the vehicle he or she arrived with, and that the vehicle is of equal or greater value than your bike.

• Check that the buyer's driver’s license carries a valid motorcycle endorsement.

• It isn’t necessary that you provide a buyer with the title right away. A written document signed by the seller and buyer indicating price and method of payment can serve as proof of purchase. You can forward the title to the buyer once the check has cleared the bank.

• If you decide to sell your motorcycle on consignment, do not provide the signed title to the dealership until you have received your money in full. Make sure the dealership is a reputable business before you trust them as an agent.

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Source: Motorcycel Safety Foundation