The Governor’s Highway Safety Administration reports that there were over 4,700 motorcycle accident fatalities in 2009, noting the first time in 12 years that the number of fatalities has declined. In Colorado, the number of deaths decreased as well, down over 10 percent from the 2008 high of 98.

A recent report by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) states that there are nearly 175,000 registered motorcycles in the state. With more and more motorcyclist on the road, it is important for riders and drivers of other vehicles alike to take notice and help the number of accidents and fatalities continue the downward trend.

Staying Safe

Though experts recommend wearing proper protective gear while riding, including gloves, eye protection and a jacket, perhaps the best way to protect yourself is to wear a properly fitting helmet. In Colorado, the CDOT statistics note that two-thirds of those killed in motorcycle accidents during 2009 were not wearing helmets. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) estimates that wearing a helmet can reduce motorcycle accident fatalities by up to 37 percent.

Though lack of head protection is a major factor in motorcycle related deaths, the use of helmets by riders has been consistently on the rise. The NHTSA estimates that in 2009, 67 percent of riders were wearing a helmet, up from 48 percent in 2005.

The other major contributing factor in motorcycle fatalities is the use of alcohol. As with the operation of any motor vehicle, you should avoid using alcohol if you plan on riding. The CDOT reports that 40 percent of all motorcycle accident deaths involved alcohol use by the operator last year, up 6 percent from 2008.

Increasing Awareness for Drivers of Cars and Other Vehicles

The insurance company Allstate has released a list of motorcycle safety tips for drivers of motor vehicles to keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles. The tips note that the main reason motorcyclists crash is because drivers of cars and other vehicles do not see them. Because motorcycles are smaller, they can easily disappear in blind spots and be closer in mirrors than they appear.

Giving motorcyclists enough room is also emphasized by Allstate. Bikers will often slow down by downshifting instead of using their brakes, meaning that drivers behind motorcycles may not see brakes lights as the rider slows down. Also, it is difficult for bikers to slow down or stop quickly on wet roads. Allowing more following distance in wet or slippery conditions can help save lives.

The company notes that 80 percent of motorcycle accidents will result in death or some form of injury, as riders lack the protection of a car and its safety devices like airbags and seat belts. It is important for all riders and drivers to be more aware and safely share the road during the peak riding season.

Article provided by Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm, P.C.

Please visit us at www.doehlinglaw.com

A Mesa woman was killed this morning after rolling her sport-utility vehicle, injuring two others.

The Colorado State Patrol said Courtni J. Bieser, 23, was driving east on County Road 330E, approximately 22 miles east of Collbran, when her 1996 Nissan Pathfinder lost control on a curve, went off the road and rolled multiple times down an embankment about 50 feet from the road. Bieser, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The accident was reported just after midnight.

A front seat passenger, Joseph Bieser, 22, of Mesa, was wearing a seat belt and was treated at the scene for minor injuries, troopers said. Hannah Etcheverry, 18, of Collbran, was riding unrestrained in the back seat and was ejected. She was taken to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs reportedly in stable condition.

If you had benn injured in an accident you are welcome to contact Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm, P.C. at (970) 241-9370.

I had the opportunity to work and manage several bodily injury claims arising out of the operation of ATV’s in my previous employment as a claims manager for an insurance company.   Bodily injury arising out of the use of ATV’s can be very serious. I would like to take the time to discuss a very important matter for the owners of the ATV’s.  The losses always began with the following question:

Is the ATV covered for liability insurance?

Specifically, you should not assume that your homeowners insurance provides liability coverage.  Farmers and Ranchers should not assume that their Farm & Ranch policy provides liability coverage. Same with business owners.

Owners of ATVs need to take the time to sit down with their insurance agent and let them know they have one or more ATVs and what the ATV is used for and where it is likely to be used.  For instance, a Farm and Ranch policy may provide liability insurance only while it is being used in the operation of the farm or ranch and only while on the described premise. That same policy may also EXCLUDE coverage if the ATV is not in the scope of operation for the farm or ranch. It may also exclude liability coverage if the ATV is off the described premise at the time of the loss.  Again, review your policy with your insurance agent to verify what coverages the existing insurance policy may provide for an ATV and liability associated with the use of an ATV.  Special endorsements may need to be added to your insurance policy for the proper coverage.

The majority of the claims I worked or managed concerned youthful operators carrying a friend as a passenger. The passenger usually gets hurt and incurrs serious injury. Many times I had the unfortunate task of informing the owner of the ATV and the family of the injured party that there is no coverage for the accident as the ATV was not insured properly.

If you are injured in an ATV or auto accident in Colorado or Utah, you may contact Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm P.C. for a free consultation. Toll Free 866-941-9370

Scott Krug, CPCU

Claims Manager

Gary Doehling Personal Injury Law Firm P.C.

www.Doehlinglaw.com

P.S. Do you have heavy equipment on a Farm or Ranch? Give us a call to discuss how to buy proper insurance for liability and physical damage.   Looking to buy a piece of heavy equipment?  Call Red Rock Machinery Co. Inc. of Las Vegas Nevada  www.rrmcinc.com