New Statistics on Motorcycle Accidents in California
According to SantaMariaTimes.com, California motorcycle accident deaths dropped by 10 percent in 2010. Additionally, California motorcycle accident fatalities dropped to 394 in 2009 from 560 in 2008, the first decrease since 1998. Experts point to the California helmet law as a possible reason for fewer deaths.
California has some of the strictest motorcycle laws in the country. The state has had a helmet law since 1992, and it requires those under 21 years old to complete a motorcycle rider training course before they are granted an M1 (motorcycle) license.
An estimated 25 million people straddled a bike and rode last year, an all-time high, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. Two of the fastest-growing segments of the motorcycling population are women and riders 55 and older.
In 2008, female motorcycle ownership topped 12 percent of the total market, and riders over 50 accounted for more than 30 percent.
“Riding a motorcycle is a serious thing. If you think driving a car is a serious thing, riding a motorcycle is even more serious,” said Santa Maria Police Lt. Jesse Silva, who has been riding since he was 3 years old, and for the past seven years has been the lead trainer for the department’s motorcycle officers.
Silva said police motorcycle patrol officers are required to complete an 80-hour training course, pass an exam and take quarterly refresher safety courses in order to stay in the saddle.
Silva added that the motorcycle accidents in California that he sees generally fall into two categories: either they were experienced riders who lost control in single-bike accidents, or they were inexperienced riders who got involved in accidents with other vehicles.
As police officers know, anyone, even people well-trained, can be the victims of a motorcycle accident in California. If you, or someone you love, is involved in a car and motorcycle accident, please contact our expert California motorcycle accident attorneys. at 800-718-4658, or go to our evaluation page and submit to us an email evaluation. An expert California motorcycle accident attorney will immediately return the call within 24 hours.
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