Virginia ranks dead last when it comes to alcohol-related motorcycle safety

Virginia and Fairfax County Police are concerned about two-wheeled traffic in light of the increase in the numbers of motorcycles and scooters. With the number of riders increasing, the potential for accidents is also likely to rise according to a recent article in the Fairfax County Times. At ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd., we have helped people who have been in motorcycle crashes when they were struck at an intersection, by a car leaving a parking lot, by being rear-ended at a light and even by a door being swung into their path by a parked car. In one Fairfax, Virginia case, Herndon Reston area motorcycle lawyer Doug Landau had evidence from his client’s boss, who happened to be driving his car directly behind the injured plaintiff, to counter the defense lawyer and insurance company’s allegations that the crash was the cyclist’s fault.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Virginia Highway Safety Office, there were 2,595 motorcycle crashes and 126 motorcycle-related fatalities statewide in 2007. This is an 80 percent increase over 2006 figures, and a 286 percent increase over the number of motorcycle deaths reported in Virginia in 2001.

Alcohol is also a factor in the increasing numbers of Virginia motorcycle deaths. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic, statistically, motorcyclists in Virginia are the worst in the nation when it comes to staying sober and staying alive. “Virginia ranks dead last when it comes to alcohol-related motorcycle safety. While other states are seeing decreases in the number of alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities in 2007, Virginia deaths are roaring to new levels,” said Martha Mitchell Meade, a spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. Virginia traffic fatalities in 2007 attributed to cyclists impaired by alcohol increased 260 percent — from 15 to 39 deaths — compared to 2006. The increase of 24 motorcyclist fatalities in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in Virginia was the largest in the nation, according to Meade.

“We are seeing a surge in people, some more experienced than others, commuting by moped, scooters and motorcycles, which can create safety concerns when mixing with other vehicles,” said Fairfax Traffic Safety Specialist Master Police Officer Bob Barton. Fairfax Police have published an educational brochure for riders.