• 23
  • July
    2010

Motorcycle accidents seem to be on the rise across the state of North Carolina. A Charlotte school teacher was killed in early June when he was struck from behind by an SUV and earlier this week, a motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after being involved in a traffic accident on Moores Chapel Road in West Charlotte. However, the problem appears to be even more acute in Eastern North Carolina where the Highway Patrol has launched a safety campaign to combat the growing number of motorcycle accidents.

In Jones and Lenoir counties, authorities have seen a doubling of the number of motorcycle crashes as compared to the same time last year. From January 1 through July 14 of 2009, those counties saw just seven motorcycle-related accidents with no fatalities. This year, they have had 15 accidents with one fatality.

According to one Highway Patrol trooper, part of the explanation might be due to extended periods of warm weather, which encourage more people to be riding. Another factor may be economic conditions. As it becomes more expensive to drive, or as people try to save money, they may ride motorcycles more to save on fuel. In fact, the economic conditions may be encouraging more people, including those without much experience, to ride motorcycles.

As part of the safety program, the highway patrol will be conducting checkpoints throughout the eastern portion of North Carolina to make sure cyclists are following helmet laws, are not driving while intoxicated, and are riding within speed limits. They will also be making additional motorcycle training available to help inexperienced riders learn how to ride defensively for their own safety.

The Highway Patrol also advises riders that speed is the number one factor in most motorcycle accidents. To protect yourself as a cyclist, it is best to wear bright-colored and abrasion-resistant clothing, in addition to the required helmet, to protect yourself in the event of a crash.

Related Resources:

A deadly cycle: Highway Patrol launches aggressive motorcycle safety campaign as crash totals double (Free Press)