Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Promoted by Kansas DOT and Drive To Zero Coalition
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, observed nationwide to educate the public on motorcycle safety. In Kansas, the Department of Transportation (KDOT) and The Drive To Zero Coalition are dedicated to promoting awareness of the challenges motorcyclists face daily, as reported by KSAL News.
Gary Herman, the Behavioral Safety Manager at KDOT, emphasized the importance of vigilance in a recent interview with KSAL News. “The goal is to avoid crashes altogether,” Herman stated. "This requires both vehicle drivers and motorcyclists to pay close attention to the road and their surroundings while following traffic laws.”
How common are motorcycle wrecks in Kansas?
Fortunately, motorcycle accident fatalities have decreased in recent years in Kansas. In 2023, there were 41 fatalities from motorcycle accidents, a significant reduction from the 65 deaths recorded in both 2020 and 2018, according to KSAL News and data from KDOT. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also provides consistent figures for these years.
Despite the decline, Kansas officials continue to caution both drivers and motorcyclists to remain vigilant, particularly as motorcycle accidents tend to increase with warmer weather during this time of year.
More Kansas motorcycle accident statistics
Motorcycle accident fatalities represent 15 percent of all motor vehicle deaths in Kansas, matching the national average, as indicated by recent data from the NHTSA.
However, significant challenges remain. Nationally, motorcycle accident fatalities reached new highs in 2021 and 2022, with 6,084 and 6,218 deaths, respectively. These figures are the highest annual fatalities recorded since 1975, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Common causes of motorcycle wrecks
Numerous studies have identified consistent causes of motorcycle accidents, primarily attributable to errors by other drivers, including:
- Speeding and not having sufficient time to slow down to avoid collisions with motorcyclists.
- Texting while driving or engaging in other forms of distracted driving.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Failing to adequately check for motorcyclists when changing lanes or turning at intersections.
- Not maintaining an adequate following distance from a motorcyclist.
Motorcycle accident injuries
Motorcycle accidents can lead to severe and often life-threatening injuries due to the exposed nature of riders. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in motorcycle accidents:
- Head injuries: Even with a helmet, riders can suffer concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-term effects.
- Road rash: When motorcyclists slide across the pavement, it can result in road rash, which is not only painful but can also lead to serious infections if not properly treated.
- Fractures: The force of an impact often causes broken bones. The most common fractures are to the legs, arms, and ribs.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI): These injuries can be particularly devastating, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis.
- Internal injuries: Blunt trauma can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which might not be immediately apparent after the accident.
- Limb amputation: In severe cases, injuries can lead to the amputation of limbs either during the accident or as a medical necessity afterward.
Why should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?
Unfortunately, many motorcycle accident claims evolve into complex legal battles. Motorcyclists frequently face unjust blame for these collisions, even when not at fault.
That's not right. That's why our motorcycle accident attorneys at Warner Law Offices in Wichita are here to help. We know how the legal system works when it comes to motorcycle crashes. That’s because we have been protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists throughout Kansas for years.
Injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault? Get the Kansas law firm that stands up for injury victims’ rights. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation to learn how a Wichita motorcycle accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.