Massachusetts Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Fatal motorcycle crashes in Massachusetts reached a five-year low during 2008, the last year for which the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) has published data. The 40 fatal crashes represented a 31 percent decrease from 58 fatal crashes in 2007.

Fatal motorcycle crashes in Massachusetts for 2004, 2005, and 2006 numbered 58, 53, and 48, respectively. Compared to the previous year the numbers were down by 8.6 percent in 2005 and by 9.4 percent in 2006, but up by 20.8 percent in 2007.

According to the NHTSA, Massachusetts does not, as most states do, publish an annual report on vehicle crash facts, so that statewide motorcycle crash details are not easily available to the public.

State Requires Helmets for All Motorcycle Riders

Massachusetts law requires that every person riding a motorcycle wear an approved helmet. Statistics compiled by other states and by the federal government show that wearing helmets reduces fatalities in motorcycle accidents.

Like many states, Massachusetts has a motorcycle safety education program. Under sponsorship of the state's Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), instruction approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is offered in 13 locations across the state. The RMV estimates that 78,000 riders have taken the course since the program was established in 1990.

Defensive Driving Vital for Motorcycle Safety

One of the most important things taught in motorcycle safety classes is defensive driving. This is vital not only because of a motorcyclist's extreme vulnerability in a crash, but also because police reports show that, in many cases, drivers were not aware of a motorcycle until it was too late to avoid a crash.

Consult a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or a motorcyclist you know has been involved in a crash, contact an experienced motorcycle crash attorney. You may deserve compensation for repair costs, medical costs, loss of income, and other expenses, but you may need the help of an attorney with knowledge of the special circumstances of motorcycle crashes to prove your case and to overcome the prejudice often felt toward motorcyclists.

The motorcycle accident attorneys of Proner & Proner have experience helping victims of Massachusetts motorcycle accidents.