Recently, the Connecticut Transportation Research Center reported the troubling fatality numbers so far in 2024. It found that at the latest count, 36 riders had been killed for the year. Motorcyclists and drivers who share the road with them should be cognizant of the potential risks and how to avoid them. When there is a crash, it is also essential to understand what can be done to make a full recovery.
Impairment, excessive speed and distraction
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s statistics show that Connecticut falls within the top five of all states for motorcycle deaths. Their latest comprehensive numbers are for 2022 and in that year, just under one in five road deaths were motorcyclists.
According to statewide researchers, there are several factors that are contributing to the increase in motorcycle deaths. Drivers are getting behind the wheel under influence, speeding and committing other violations that are raising the chance of a collision.
Connecticut is consistently in the top three for alcohol- and drug-related road deaths with up to 40% of these accidents citing impairment as a factor. This has been a problem for two decades. In 2024 so far, there have been more than 1,900 motorcycle accidents attributed to distracted drivers.
Often, drivers do not see riders until it is too late. That lack of attentiveness is a major contributor to the rise in motorcycle deaths.
Myriad issues need to be addressed after a motorcycle accident
After a motorcycle accident in which a person was injured or a family has lost a loved one, there is much to consider. The physical and emotional aftermath, loss of companionship, need for long-term care and medical debt will come to the forefront. It can be a fearful time with questions as to what will happen. Knowing the options and having help that understands how to investigate motorcycle accidents, gather evidence and move forward is key from the outset.