Last week, there was a motorcycle injury crash in West Asheville. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Starnes Cove and Old Haywood Roads. Very few details about this motorcycle crash have been released, but initial reports indicate that a motorcycle and another vehicle were involved. The motorcyclist was seriously injured in the crash. That person was transported to Mission Hospital for treatment of injuries. There has been no word on the current condition or the extent of injuries involved, and the cause of this crash is likely still under investigation with local law enforcement officials.
U.S. Motorcycle Crash Statistics
In 2016, there were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in crashes in the U.S.
Motorcyclist fatalities rose 5.1 percent from 2015 to 2016.
Per vehicle mile traveled in 2016, motorcyclist fatalities occurred nearly 28 times more frequently than passenger car occupant fatalities in crashes.
Helmets saved an estimated 1,859 motorcyclists’ lives in 2016.
Improving Motorcyclist Safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently observed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May. Additionally, they are also promoting National Ride to Work Day on June 18, 2018 to help raise awareness about motorcycle safety on U.S. roadways. Although there are various ways motorcycle riders can increase their personal safety, like wearing helmets and engaging in safe riding habits, motorcyclists are ultimately at the mercy of the larger vehicles they share the road with. The distracted driving epidemic has been especially dangerous for motorcycle riders. A driver can’t “share the road” if they’re checking a text message.
Motorcycle Accidents in Asheville
Motorcycle riders are a vulnerable roadway user group. Even with helmets and protective gear, motorcyclists can get seriously injured in crashes involving larger passenger occupant vehicles. Drivers are reminded to always share the road and to “look twice” for motorcycles and other roadway users.
If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident involving a dangerous or distracted driver in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven Personal Injury team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.