The number of motorcycle deaths keeps growing. As of this week, 29 cycle riders have been killed on Minnesota highways. That total is three more than this time last year. Last year was an all time 20 year high for yearly deaths. This is not a number that we want to see broken.
To address the problem, the Transportation Department is developing national standards for entry-level riders and has launched an educational campaign on the importance of wearing helmets and other safety gear. Congress has also become involved, authorizing $2 million to study crash causes.
For every driver and rider, it’s important that the following be kept in mind:
1. Yield the right-of-way.
2. Start seeing motorcycles.
3. When on a motorcycle, make sure people see you.
4. When just starting to ride, make sure you have the correct training.
The road is big enough for everyone.
A recent Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial got a number of comments after it made the following suggestions to deal with the increase:
- Increased training of new drivers.
- More emphasis on sober riding.
- The Increased use of safety equipment.
- Drivers paying more attention on the roads.
The discussion about helmets dominated most of the responses. Clearly, this is one there may not ever be an agreement on, but as to the other suggestions, they really make a lot of sense. Every new driver needs to get the all important training that riding a motorcycle isn’t like a bike or a car.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
2 Comments
Daniel 8791
Hopefully there won't be any additional deaths with the recent crash in Todd County. Young (& old too) motorcycle riders need to be wearing helmets. It's a no-brainer situation. Take a spill and hit your head on the pavement won't be like getting hit over the head with a brink, but more like getting hit with a full 16 gallon beer keg on the skull. If you ride cycle, save your self and wear a helmet, PLEASE.
Mike Bryant
That is a major issue for a number of people. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
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