Motorcycle safety is an important issue, which is why each year May is recognized as National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. At the beginning of this month, we wanted to point out a few statistics.

National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Stats

- In 2009 there were 4,595 fatal motorcycle crashes in the United States. Additionally, 84,000 were injured.

- The use of Department of Transportation approved motorcycles decreased to 54% in 2010 - a 13% drop from 2009.

- DOT approved motorcycle helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists.

- Helmet use save the lives of 1500 motorcyclists in 2009 according to the NHTSA.

- More than one-third of fatal bike crashes in 2009 involved alcohol.

At our law firm, we have seen the tragic effects of motorcycle accidents time and time again. While you can never completely eliminate your risk on a motorcycle, you can greatly reduce your risk by practicing motorcycle safety and being aware on the roadways. If you or someone you know is injured in a motorcycle accident, be sure to contact the Personal Injury Lawyers of Rutter Mills.

The state of Virginia has just announced a new program aimed at providing motorcyclists prompt and proper care after an accident.  The program includes new "Rider Alert Cards" that will be placed inside the riders' helmet that contains medical information, emergency contacts and other pertinent information.  The goal is that first responders will have quicker access to this life saving information at the scene of the crash.  A sticker on the outer shell of the cyclists helmet will indicate that the biker has the alert card, which will be placed inside the helmet. The cards are not required as of yet, but could be at some point in the future.

While this might not be the end all be all for motorcycle safety, we applaud the state for taking strides to increase safety for cyclists.  Motorcycles make up only about 3% of the total motor vehicles on the road, motorcycle fatalities account for 11% of all highway fatalities each year.  Another troubling statistic is that while only 20% of auto accidents result in injury or death, over 80% of motorcycle accidents do.

If you are a motorcyclist, consider this program, and as always try to be safe and aware on the road.  Now that it is springtime there will be more motorcycles on the roads, and other drivers should try to be aware of cyclists as they are not the most visible vehicles on the road.