The Kentucky State Police statistics have revealed that the number of motorcycle accidents in Jefferson Country has increased by 51% in 2012. In the first five months of 2012, there were already 23 people who had died in motorcycle accidents in Kentucky.
Statistics
Unfortunately, many motorcycle accidents involved either speeding or not wearing a helmet or other protective gear. Motorcycle accidents as a whole have shoot up to 12% compared to the same period of time in 2011, as reported by the Kentucky State Police Collision Statistics. According to the Kentucky State Police’s online database, in 2012, 462 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in Kentucky and 22 died. In Jefferson Country, 98 people were injured in motorcycle accidents compared to 63 people involved in motorcycle accidents in the same period of first five months.
Skills test
A relatively warm winter and spring may have led to more motorcycles on Kentucky roadways leading to increase accidents, according to Lt. David Jude, a state police spokesman. “Distracted driving and fast speeds may also be contributing factors,” added by Jude. Kentucky State Police revised the motorcycle skills test which has to be passed in order to have a motorcycle operator’s license just this month. Capt. Fred Williams Jr., commander of the state police driver testing branch, said that, “The skills test requires twice as many exercises to get a motorcycle license including making a quick stop and weaving through traffic cones.”
Related: Protective Clothing And Equipment For Motorcycle Safety
State police said that the changes apply to both two-wheel and three-wheel motorcycles. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a national non-profit organization, without cost developed the test according to Williams. The new test is now being used in all 120 countries in Kentucky.
The increase statistics of motorcycle accidents is alarming; particularly that it has reached such as high number so quickly. I’m glad that the skills test has been revised. As a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney, I see how devastating a motorcycle accident can be to both the rider and the family. Please, always wear a proper helmet and safety equipment and be aware of your surroundings. It could save a life.