A motorcyclist was killed in an accident in Shelby County, Kentucky on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. Kentucky State Police say 40-year-old Steven Ball was riding west along Aiken Road and Highway 362 in Simpsonville when he lost control on a curve. Ball went off the road and slammed into a road sign. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Ball was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Police believe excessive speed contributed to the crash.
My prayers go to the family of the victim.
Related: How Can Drivers Help Keep the Roads Safe for Motorcyclists?
The importance of motorcycle helmets and other safety gear
Ball was wearing his safety gear, but due to speeding, his crash was fatal. Excessive speed is among the top causes of motorcycle crashes. It is important that motorcyclists ride within their abilities. They also need to know how to control their vehicles, especially when they take curves. Remember that every curve is different, and motorcyclists have to be alert to know whether a curve stays constant, slowly widens or gets tighter.
Statistics
- Motorcycle fatalities increased by over 50% when the universal helmet law was repealed in Kentucky in 1998.
- There were 72 fatalities and 1,370 motorcycle injuries in Kentucky in 2011. From that, 44 were killed and 737 of those injured were not wearing a helmet.
- Helmets reduce motorcycle rider fatalities by 22 to 37% and brain injuries by 44 to 65%.
- In 1997, one of every 20 traffic fatalities was a motorcycle rider. In 2010, it was one in 7.
The Law
KRS 186.010 defines motorcycle as “any motor driven vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the operator and designed to travel on not more than three (3) wheels in contact with the ground, including vehicles on which the operator and passengers ride in an enclosed cab.” An alternative-speed motorcycle is included in this definition. An alternative-speed motorcycle is a motorcycle that is self-propelled using an electric motor, combustion-driven motor or a combination of the two, is three wheeled, has a fully enclosed cab. It is designed to operate at a speed not to exceed 40 miles per hour, as certified by the manufacturer.
Related: Speed Limits Going Up In Many States
As a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney, I advise every motorcyclist to ride within their limits and obey traffic laws. Also, if you are approaching an intersection, it is best to reduce your speed. In the event you or your loved one was hurt in a motorcycle accident, please go to a doctor. You need to treat any injuries. Also, always wear a helmet and protective gear. It may seem like a nuisance, but it could just save your life.