Motorcyclist Fatalities in Minnesota Emphasize Need for Safety
August 2013
Newly released statistics have starkly illustrated the necessity of safety precautions when riding motorcycles in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota state government, motorcycle accident fatalities are up compared to 2012. At this time last year, eighteen motorcycle deaths had been reported, whereas of July 2013, twenty-six riders have lost their lives this year.
Regrettably, five riders died in the first ten days of July. Four out of five of these victims were riding without helmets. Government officials and concerned citizens throughout Minnesota are calling for greater safety awareness. In the wake of the recent highway tragedies, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety issued a statement about motorcycles and protective gear. For maximal safety, the department encourages riders to wear helmets, protective jackets and motorcycle-specific eyewear. Notably, riders who wear helmets improve their chances of surviving crashes by over forty percent.
In 2013, almost half of all riders killed were over fifty years of age. Without formal training, some older motorcycle owners are overconfident and woefully unprepared. Though reducing highway fatalities is a complex process, the predominant causes of accidents are fairly clear. According to Greg Pierce, a motorcycle expert at Century College, most accidents stem from lack of instruction and speeding. Every riding season, the state of Minnesota takes great pains to promote highway safety education. To this end, the DPS regularly offers training and safety classes for motorcycle riders of all ages.
Victims of motorcycle accidents can rely on the legal experts at Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben. Founded by Jim Schwebel in 1972, the practice has a long history of successfully navigating personal injury law. For decades, the experienced attorneys have helped clients receive just compensation for their injuries. Thinking beyond financial considerations, the attorneys at Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben are genuinely motivated to see clients achieve justice. Families of deceased accident victims are also well-advised to utilize reputable personal injury lawyers.
From high-profile airline crashes to motorcycle accidents, Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben has experience in dealing with many types of personal injuries. Far too often, people are catastrophically injured through no fault of their own, and honest attorneys can help their clients rebuild shattered lives. Call for a free consultation at 612-377-7777 or toll-free at 1-800-752-4265.