May is Motorcycle Safety Month in Santa Barbara
In an effort to address a troubling spike in California motorcycle crash fatalities, the Santa Barbara Police Department has announced that May is Motorcycle Safety Month in Santa Barbara. During the initiative, which runs from May 7th until May 27th, more Santa Barbara police officers will be patrolling areas known for high motorcycle traffic. Authorities will be on the lookout for safety violations by car drivers and motorcycle riders that could lead to motorcycle accidents. As part of the program, motorcycle riders are also encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. For those who have already undergone safety training, a special refresher training course is being offered on May 14th and 15th.
In 2013, California experienced an alarming jump in motorcycle fatalities, with 453 deaths. That number is a 28 percent jump from the 352 motorcyclists who lost their lives in 2010 and represents a 5-year high in fatalities. According to California crash data, the top causes of collisions involving motorcycles are speeding, failure to yield and alcohol and drug impairment by both car drivers and motorcycle riders. Such violations not only lead to fatalities, but they can also lead to catastrophic injuries that require long-term medical care. Many victims injured in such accidents contact a California motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about their legal options.
Operations like Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month are intended to reverse the upward trend of motorcycle deaths in the state, however, accidents still happen. There have been 117 fatal or injury motorcycle crashes in California over the last three years alone. In some cases, it may be possible for injured victims to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused an accident seeking compensation for damages.
Free Consultations
Victims of motorcycle collisions in need of a Santa Barbara motorcycle accident lawyer should contact The May Firm at 1.844.MAYFIRM for a free consultation about their legal options.
