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Connecticut
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Connecticut
Motorcycle Licenses and Registration
According to a report issued by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), there
were 197,847 people in Connecticut who had a valid Motorcycle Operator License
in 2007. This license is only good for two years. Connecticut motorcycle
accident attorneys remind their clients to renew their license before they
expire. Failure to do so could hurt your chances in a legal case if you were
involved in an accident with an expired motorcycle license.
The MSF report also
showed that 64,484 Connecticut residents had a valid motorcycle registration in
2007. So, legally speaking, we could assume that there were 64,484 motorcyclists
on the roads in Connecticut in 2007.
Connecticut Motorcycle Accident Deaths
Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues a
report called "Traffic Safety Facts". Below is a table that shows Connecticut's
motorcycle accident deaths in 2005 and 2007.
|
Year |
Total Motorcycle Riders Killed |
Riders Wearing a Helmet |
Riders Not Wearing a Helmet |
Riders with a
Blood Alcohol Level = .01+ |
Riders with a
Blood Alcohol Level = .08+ |
| 2005 |
43 riders |
34% |
66% |
30% |
n/a |
| 2007 |
36
riders |
36% |
64% |
36% |
22% |
Connecticut Motorcycle Helmet Laws
The data above distinguishes of the fatalities how many riders were wearing a
helmet, and how many were not. There's no surprise to see that the majority of
riders who were killed were not wearing a helmet. Once you receive your
Connecticut motorcycle license, Connecticut state law does not require you to
were a helmet. If you are under the age of 18, or if you are riding with a
permit, the state of Connecticut does require the use of a motorcycle helmet.
Connecticut motorcycle accident
lawyers warn riders that if they are involved
in a motorcycle accident without a motorcycle helmet, the data supports that the
crash could be fatal.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that head injury is a
leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. They also report that an
unhelmeted motorcyclist is 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury than a
helmeted motorcyclist when involved in a motorcycle accident.
Connecticut Motorcycle Accidents Under the Influence of Alcohol
Another interesting
fact that can attribute to the Connecticut motorcycle accident fatality
statistics is the use of drugs or alcohol. Therefore, the NHTSA included in
their report the fatalities who were reported with a Blood Alcohol Level above
the legal threshold (.08+) and below the legal threshold.
Connecticut
motorcycle accident lawyers agree that it's very alarming to see there were
more fatalities of riders who had just a little alcohol (.01+) in their body,
compared to riders who were legally drunk (.08+). This should really send home a
message to all riders: It doesn't matter if you had 1 drink or 10!!! Alcohol
impairs the ability for the body to respond when operating a motor vehicle and
you are taking your life, and others' lives, into your hands if you drive your
motorcycle after drinking alcohol. Connecticut motorcycle accident attorneys
advise that it's best to wait at least 1 hour after every drink to allow the
body to absorb the alcohol in your system. If you don't have enough time to
allow for this, you should find someone
else who has not been drinking to bring you home.
The statistical information provided in this article is taken directly from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Please feel free to download a copy here.
2005 Report 2007 Report
If you have any questions regarding Connecticut motorcycle accident statistics, please
click here to find a Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyer.
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