Car accidents and motorcycle accidents are commonplace in every state in the U.S. and Rhode Island is no exception. While anyone can be an accident victim, some groups of people are more vulnerable than others. Below is an overview of who the most vulnerable road users are in Rhode Island and the types of accidents they are typically involved in. If you were injured in a motorcycle accident in Rhode Island, contact a RI motorcycle accident attorney or bike crash law firm
Motorcyclists and accidents statistics
RI speeding accident
According to the Center For Disease Control or CDC, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than those who operate SUV’s, trucks or passenger cars. While those who drive passenger cars are involved in accidents more often than motorcyclists, their injuries are typically less severe. The statistics in Rhode Island for motorcycle fatalities for the last several years are:
- 19 In 2009
- 15 In 2010
- 15 In 2011
- 8 In 2012
- 11 In 2013
Brain injury (TBI) is the primary cause of death among motorcyclists, which is why wearing a helmet is so important.
Teenage And Young Adults
Younger drivers lack the experience that older drivers have, which is why they are more prone to traffic accidents. The following statistics are the number of fatal car accidents among drivers ages 20 or younger in Rhode Island:
- 11 In 2009
- 7 In 2010
- 4 In 2011
- 4 In 2012
- 7 In 2013
Older Drivers
Older drivers (the elderly and senior citizens) are at an increased risk of being injured or killed in a car accident. This is because as we age, our reflexes slow and our eyesight isn’t as
sharp making accidents more common. The statistics for older driver fatalities in Rhode Island are as follows:
- 7 In 2009
- 5 In 2010
- 8 In 2011
- 7 In 2012
- 12 In 2013
In addition to the above risk groups, those who ride bicycles and those who are pedestrians are more vulnerable to car accidents. If you or a family member has been injured in a Rhode Island car accident, it may be helpful to speak with an attorney for advice. Personal injury attorneys are trained to calculate future wages and other types of damages that you may be able to obtain by filing a personal injury lawsuit. After speaking with you, an attorney will let you know how to move forward with your case. Source:
“Motorcycle crash deaths are costly, but preventable. The single most effective way for states to save lives and save money is a universal helmet law.
- Helmets saved an estimated 1,630 lives and $2.8 billion in economic costs in 2013.1
- The United States could have saved an additional $1.1 billion in 2013 if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.1
- Helmets reduce the risk of death by 37%.1
- Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.2,3
“Our role is to identify ways to prevent injury and death and rigorously check what works and what does not work. For motorcycle safety, the research shows that universal helmet laws are the most effective way to reduce the number of deaths and traumatic brain injuries that result from crashes.”Dr. Thomas Frieden, CDC Director” THE CDC
Elderly drivers are a subject of concern
Elderly drivers are a subject of concern when it comes to car accidents, but it’s important to approach this topic with nuance and consider various factors. Elderly drivers, like any age group, can be involved in car accidents for a variety of reasons. Some key factors to consider include:
- Reduced Physical Abilities: As people age, their physical abilities can decline. This might affect their reaction times, vision, hearing, and overall mobility, making it more challenging to operate a vehicle safely.
- Medical Conditions: Elderly drivers may have medical conditions, such as arthritis, cognitive impairments, or visual problems, that can affect their driving abilities.
- Medications: Many seniors take prescription medications, which can have side effects like drowsiness or impaired cognitive function, potentially impacting their ability to drive safely.
- Reduced Awareness: Some older individuals may experience a decline in their cognitive abilities, which can lead to reduced awareness and decision-making skills on the road.
- Experience: Elderly drivers often have years of driving experience, which can be an advantage in terms of safe driving. They may be more cautious and less likely to engage in risky behaviors.
- Self-Regulation: Many elderly drivers self-regulate their driving habits by avoiding driving at night, during heavy traffic, or in adverse weather conditions. This can mitigate some of the risks associated with aging.
- Licensing Regulations: Some countries and states have regulations in place to assess the fitness of elderly drivers, including periodic vision and cognitive tests or more frequent license renewals.
It’s worth noting that while some elderly drivers may be involved in accidents due to age-related factors, the majority of car accidents are caused by a range of factors, including distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and not just the age of the driver. Promoting road safety and responsible driving applies to all age groups.
Efforts to address this issue should focus on promoting safe driving behaviors and assessing an individual’s fitness to drive rather than targeting a specific age group. Encouraging elderly drivers to stay informed about their health, medications, and the impact on their ability to drive safely, as well as advocating for regular check-ups and education on safe driving practices, can be more effective approaches to reducing accidents involving elderly drivers.
A Rhode Island motorcycle accident lawyer can help you get the compensation that you deserve as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.