Increase in Motorcycle Accidents in California
Recently, the California Highway Patrol released a report showing that motorcycle accidents increased by 20 percent from 2010 to 2011. The Hartford Sentinel reports that hundreds of motorcyclists die each year and thousands more are hurt.
The California Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s assistance to reduce these numbers. Officials have encouraged motorcyclists to take extra precautions, such as wearing proper safety equipment. They also urge people driving cars to take extra caution when driving near motorcyclists.
According to the Sentinel, “CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow asks motorists to look for oncoming traffic when making a left turn, then look again for motorcycles.”
By looking twice, everyone will be safer; you might even save someone’s life. High speeds and unaware drivers cause most accidents involving cars or motorcycles.
California has about 1.3 million licensed motorcyclists, and that number has steadily increased over the past decade. The CHP recommends riders young and old register for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program at www.ca-msp.org. To help promote motorcycle safety, the CHP secured a federal grant to fund a year-long public awareness campaign.
Funding for the campaign is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These days, everyone is in a rush, whether we are late or want to be the first person to arrive at our destination. Rushed driving leads to more accidents. If everyone drives more safely and slows down a little, more lives can be saved.
If you find yourself in an accident, call the offices of Heiting & Irwin at our Riverside office (951) 682-6400.
