May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. According to the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR) at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College, fatal motorcycle crashes were up 50 percent in 2021 compared to 2019, based on preliminary 2021 data.
ITSMR data shows that 198 fatal crashes killed 204 people in 2021. So far in 2022, there have been 9 fatalities and more than 220 reported injuries in just the first few weeks of the riding season. Additionally, motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2021 alone, motorcycle crash fatalities represented over 18 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in New York.
New York was the first state to mandate wearing a motorcycle helmet, and for more than 20 years, New York has had a rider-funded motorcycle safety training and awareness program known as the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program (NYSMSP). The program uses a nationally recognized motorcycle training curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The courses teach effective turning, braking maneuvers, tips to avoid obstacles, strategies in traffic, how to select appropriate protective apparel and vehicle maintenance. Motorcyclists can find a training course near them. They do much more than teach students how to operate a motorcycle. They train students how to be conspicuous on the road with both lane position as well as wearing the proper protective high visibility gear, especially a helmet that meets DOT specifications. There are many lifesaving skills taught, both mental and physical.
If you or a family member are a victim of a car, truck, bus or motorcycle fatal accident, contact Wrongful Death Attorney Robert Friedman seven days a week for a free case evaluation at (716) 543-3764 and to learn the ADVANTAGES of HIRING A NEW YORK car accident attorney who is an experienced prosecutor. New York accident Attorney Robert Friedman has the unique experience of having successfully prosecuted over 33,000 dangerous and distracted drivers for 36 years as a New York Vehicle & Traffic Prosecutor. As a prosecutor, he saw many personal injury car accident cases and distracted driver cases. Using his extensive knowledge of the NY Vehicle & Traffic Law and NY Transportation Law, he prosecuted dangerous truck drivers, dangerous bus drivers, dangerous motorcycle drivers and dangerous automobile drivers. These dangerous drivers endangered the lives of their passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers.