In the state of Virginia, fatal motorcycle collisions have increased 45 percent in 2012 in comparison to this time last year. So far this year, 17 motorcyclists have been killed in collisions throughout the state, according to statistics provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles, in comparison to the 12 motorcyclists killed by this point in 2011. Throughout the entire year of 2011, 90 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in the state of Virginia, and more than 2,000 more were injured, according to data provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles in a release reminding motorists that May has been declared Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Approximately nine out of 10 of the fatal motorcycle collisions that occurred in 2011 were caused by motorcyclists losing control of their vehicles at high speeds, and nearly 50 percent of all collisions were single vehicle accidents involving the motorcycle by itself, and 28 percent of all deadly accidents were linked to alcohol use. The Department of Motor Vehicles hopes to combat the increased rate of motorcycle fatalities this year with a public safety awareness program emphasizing correct motorcycle operating procedures and thorough biker education programs.
As a Ventura personal injury lawyer, I hope these and other public safety awareness programs are successful in their missions to make the roads less dangerous for all motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured in any sort of traffic accident, please consider contacting a car accident attorney in Ventura.