Motorcycle Accident Deaths Increasing in Illinois and Across the U.S.

 Posted on July 20, 2018 in Motorcycle Accidents

A recent tragedy in Naperville reminded all Chicagoans of the dangers of motorcycle riding. A young Aurora man and his teen passenger were killed when their motorcycle was struck by a Honda Civic at the intersection of Aurora Avenue and Fort Hill Drive on Friday, July 2. The tragic accident was just the latest motorcycle fatality in the greater Chicago area, and the crash was the second Naperville motorcycle collision that day. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 fatal motorcycle accidents occurred nationwide in 2016. Throughout the state of Illinois, more than 100 motorcyclists are killed in accidents each year. If you or a member of your family are injured in a motorcycle collision, contacting a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can be paramount in ensuring your family receives the help they deserve. 

Motorcycle Fatalities Nationwide 

While automobile drivers and passengers have found technological advancements beneficial in increasing safety measures and decreasing fatalities, traveling via motorcycle is inherently more dangerous. Due to the limited protection provided to motorcyclists, motorcycle accident fatalities are 28 times more likely than standard automobile accident fatalities. The 5,286 motorcyclists killed nationwide in 2016 represented a 5% increase in comparison to the 2015 fatality count. 

Despite the increased risk of motorcycling, many cyclists neglect to wear proper safety equipment. The NHTSA estimates that approximately 802 lives could have been saved throughout 2016 if all riders had worn their helmets. Equally concerning is the consumption of alcohol by motorcyclists. Throughout 2016, motorcyclists accounted for the largest percentage of fatally injured drivers under the influence of alcohol. A staggering 25% of fatally injured motorcyclists had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit. 

Fatalities in Illinois 

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 2,643 motorcyclists were injured statewide in 2015 alone. Over half of all motorcycle fatalities throughout the state occurred on urban roadways, and a shocking 1,269 motorcyclists suffered injuries on city streets. 

The recent Naperville tragedy was a reminder of the dangers of teen motorcycling, both nationwide and throughout Illinois. Just under 100 Illinois teens aged from 15 to 19 suffered severe injuries while riding motorcycles in 2015. 

Contact a Waukegan Motorcycle Accident Attorney 

While the thrill of riding a motorcycle may be unparalleled, the risks are incredibly high. If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident this summer, it is critically important to find the help you need. At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., our team of Waukegan personal injury lawyers have years of experience helping those impacted by motor vehicle collisions. To set up a free consultation, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-naperville-crash-fatal-st-0704-story.html

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Resources/Safety/Crash-Reports/crash-facts/2015%20Crash%20Facts%20with%20cover.pdf

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/812492