Aug 19, 2009 | 2 min read

Deaths from Motorcycle Crashes on the Rise in South Hampton Roads Area of Virginia

In 2009, more than twice as many people have died in motorcycle crashes in South Hampton Roads than in all of 2008, according to The Virginian-Pilot. There have been 13 fatal motorcycle crashes this year as opposed to six in 2008, and we still have four months remaining in 2009.

This isn’t the first time motorcycle crashes have fluctuated in Virginia (VA). In 2006, there were a total of seven fatal motorcycle accidents while in 2007, that number increased to 10 fatalities.

Two motorcyclists were recently killed in separate crashes in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). My colleague Jim Lewis wrote about these two tragic accidents and I am greatly concerned with the increase in fatal motorcycle accidents in Virginia (VA). Our firm has represented people hurt in motorcycle accidents, so I understand the ramifications these accidents can have on the victims and their families.

We need to take a step back and examine the situation to see what can be done to reduce these accident statistics.

Here’s a video discussing important motorcycle safety tips…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prR20YZtPGU

“Riding the bike isn’t the hard part,” said Adam Bernstein, a spokesman for the Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) police department and a motorcyclist. “The hard part is watching what everybody else is doing. Your reaction time slows down, and reaction time is paramount on a motorcycle.”

Bernstein attributes the increase in motorcycle accidents to the warm weather. When it’s nice outside, more people take their bikes out to enjoy a ride.

If you’re one of the individuals who doesn’t ride every day but wants to enjoy the beautiful summer weather with a motorcycle ride, remember of always wear your helmet, wear bright clothing, brake early, and always be cognizant of the other motorcyclists and cars on the road.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.