With warm weather and springtime upon us, many motorcycle enthusiasts are getting their bikes ready for another wonderful season on the road. Many are just itching to ride on Montana’s streets, roads and highways. The wind whipping in your hair and adventure at every destination.
The scenic and wide-open roads of the state prove attractive to motorcyclists as many enjoy the nearby Rocky Mountains. However, safety must always be considered, especially when sharing the road with other drivers who do not always take the same precautions as you.
Is Montana the safest state for motorcyclists?
Montana is the safest state for motorcyclists, according to Quote Wizard, a Seattle-based insurance comparison website. Its study was based on 2017 statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration. Our state had the lowest rate of fatalities per registered motorcycle. Montana recorded 23 motorcycle-related fatalities in 2017 and has nearly 307,000 registered motorcycles.
Unofficially, 20 people have died in 2018 in motorcycle-related accidents in the state. According to the NHTSA, the 4,985 motorcyclist fatalities in 2018 in the United States represent a 5% decrease from the previous year. However, motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents.
Other drivers overlook motorcyclists
Unsafe behavior from other drivers continues to prove hazardous to motorcyclists. Here are some of the accident-causing oversights attributed to some drivers of cars, pick-ups, SUVs and trucks:
- Failing to share the road with motorcyclists
- Inattentive driving, including eating, putting on make-up, reading, talking on the phone, and one of the most alarming: texting behind the wheel
- Drowsy and fatigued driving, leading to crossing the center lines of roads
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs or controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin
Not only must motorcyclists stay alert to the actions of other drivers, they also must be vigilant about road conditions, too. Please stay safe on the roads and enjoy another great season of riding your cycle. But if you do become a victim in an accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.