Driving a motorcycle on roads and highways can be a thrilling adventure and give the driver a sense of freedom. Even when the driver is sober, driving a motorcycle can be a dangerous activity because the bike provides no protection for the rider from other vehicles and from the road itself.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) almost 30 people die each day in the U.S. in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. In 2012, 10,322 people were killed in drunk driving accidents, which accounted for nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S.
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports that in 4,625 fatal motorcycle crashes in 2012, 1,335 (29%) had a BAC of .08.
In Tennessee 129 total riders were killed in crashes in 2012; 26 of those riders had BAC of .08 or higher.
Drive sober or get pulled over
The NHTSA is encouraging motorcycle riders to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” in an attempt to discourage riders from operating their motorcycles when they have been drinking. Just as alcohol impairs drivers of other motor vehicles, it also affects the skills essential to operating a motorcycle such as balance and coordination. In recent years the percentage of intoxicated motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers of other motor vehicles on the roadways.
Tennessee’s CRASH – Crash Reduction Analyzing Statistical History System
Last year, the Tennessee Highway Patrol began testing a software system called CRASH: Crash Reduction Analyzing Statistical History System. This program helps the police predict the locations where crashes are likely to occur. In the pilot phase of the project, the system has had 75% accuracy so far. The software analyzes prior accident data and predicts the locations where the greatest accident risks are likely to occur.
Between the software that can attempt to predict and therefore hopefully the highway patrol can use that data to help prevent drunk driving accidents, and continuing to drive home (pun intended) the importance of driving sober, we can save lives.
Losing a loved one, or getting injured in a motorcycle accident is painful enough. When the accident was the result of someone being careless enough to drink and then drive it seems to magnify the tragedy that much more.
If have been injured in a motorcycle accident, please contact Banks and Jones for more information.
T. Scott knows the importance of interacting with colleagues to stay abreast of developments and changes in the legal world. T. Scott frequently teaches CLE courses on trial strategy, teaching other lawyers his methods for success in the courtroom, and is certified as a Rule 31 Mediator in the Tennessee Supreme Court. He is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the National Trial Lawyers, and both the Tennessee and American Associations for Justice.
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