Every May, the United States observes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a critical campaign designed to educate both motorcyclists and motorists about sharing the road safely. As warmer weather brings more riders onto New York’s roads, this annual initiative becomes particularly important for protecting the lives of vulnerable motorcyclists who face disproportionate risks on our highways and city streets.
For riders and their families across New York, understanding these risks and knowing your rights when accidents occur can make all the difference. Mitchell Proner, a nationally renowned motorcycle accident attorney in New York with over 60 years of combined firm experience, has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists while advocating for increased road safety awareness.
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Why Motorcycle Awareness Month Matters
The American Motorcyclist Association emphasizes that “Motorcycle Awareness Month is the perfect time for the AMA to address our core mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.” This annual campaign serves multiple purposes: educating drivers about motorcycle visibility issues, promoting safe riding practices, and highlighting the shared responsibility all road users have in preventing tragic accidents.
The importance of this awareness campaign becomes clear when examining the stark statistics. While motorcycles represent only 3% of all registered vehicles nationwide, they account for approximately 15% of all traffic fatalities. This dramatic disproportion underscores why dedicated education and awareness efforts are essential for saving lives.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics in New York
New York’s motorcycle accident statistics paint a concerning picture that demands attention from riders, drivers, and policymakers alike. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, approximately 166 people die each year in New York State due to motorcycle crashes, with New York motorcyclists being 37 times more likely to die in accidents than people riding in passenger cars.
The situation is particularly dire in New York City, where only 2% of registered vehicles are motorcycles, yet they are involved in 14% of all traffic fatalities. Even more alarming, motorcyclists in New York City are almost twice as likely to die in road accidents compared to riders elsewhere in the state.
Recent statistics from 2021 show that 204 individuals died in fatal motorcycle accidents in New York State, representing a significant increase that prompted the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to issue warnings about the rising number of fatal motorcycle crashes.
The injury statistics are equally concerning. In 2018, there were 3,827 motorcyclists injured in crashes across New York State, with approximately 450 motorcycle injuries occurring every 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in New York
Understanding why these accidents occur is crucial for prevention. The leading factors contributing to motorcycle accidents in New York include:
Driver Inattention and Visibility Issues
The most significant threat to motorcyclists comes from other drivers who simply don’t see them. Low visibility accounts for many accidents, often due to unsafe gear such as immobile helmets that limit peripheral vision or tinted visors dangerous in low-light conditions.
Unlicensed Operation
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, 43% of fatal accidents involve an unlicensed driver, highlighting the importance of proper training and certification.
Left-Turn Accidents
One of the most common and dangerous scenarios occurs when vehicles make left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles, often with devastating consequences for riders.
Speed-Related Factors
Excessive speed contributes to both the frequency and severity of motorcycle accidents, particularly affecting younger riders.
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My main advice for motorcycle riders is: ride like you are invisible. Safety first!
Safety Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
During Motorcycle Awareness Month and throughout the riding season, both motorcyclists and car drivers can take specific steps to reduce accident risks:
For Motorcyclists:
- Wear DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear: Helmets are 37% effective at preventing motorcyclist deaths and can reduce the risk of head injury by 69%.
- Maintain proper licensing and training: Ensure you have a valid motorcycle endorsement and consider refresher courses.
- Increase visibility: Use reflective gear, bright colors, and proper lighting to make yourself more visible to other drivers.
- Practice defensive riding: Maintain safe following distances, avoid blind spots, and always signal your intentions clearly.
- Keep your motorcycle well-maintained: Regular maintenance prevents mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
For Car Drivers:
- Look twice, save a life: Always check blind spots and look specifically for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning.
- Maintain safe following distances: Motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars, and riders may need to make sudden maneuvers around road hazards.
- Avoid distractions: Put away cell phones and focus completely on driving, especially during peak riding season.
- Respect motorcyclists’ space: Give motorcycles the same road space and courtesy you would provide to any other vehicle.
Mitchell Proner: Your Advocate for Motorcycle Safety and Legal Rights
As both a passionate motorcyclist and an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in New York, Mitchell Proner brings unique insight to motorcycle safety advocacy and legal representation. Having survived a serious motorcycle accident himself in 1990, he understands firsthand the challenges and vulnerabilities that riders face on New York’s roads.
Mitchell Proner’s commitment to motorcycle safety extends far beyond his legal practice. As Attorney Chairman of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), an organization of over 800 U.S. and Canadian motorcyclist groups, he works tirelessly to improve conditions for riders nationwide. His dedication has earned him NCOM’s prestigious “Silver Spoke” Award in recognition of his legal work improving the image of motorcycling.
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The Legal Landscape for Motorcycle Accidents in New York
New York’s legal framework for motorcycle accidents presents unique challenges that require specialized knowledge. Unlike other motor vehicles, motorcycles are excluded from New York’s no-fault insurance benefits, meaning injured riders must pursue compensation through different legal avenues.
Mitchell Proner’s extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases across over 30 jurisdictions worldwide has positioned him as a leading motorcycle accident attorney in New York. His track record includes recovering tens of millions of dollars for injured motorcyclists, with multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements achieved every year since the 1990s.
The Importance of Immediate Legal Action
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, time is critical. New York’s statute of limitations provides only three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, and evidence can disappear quickly. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by offering inadequate settlements before victims understand the full extent of their injuries and future needs.
Mitchell Proner understands the tactics insurance companies use against motorcyclists and works to overcome the bias that riders often face from police, witnesses, and even jurors. His reputation as a formidable motorcycle accident attorney in New York motivates insurance companies to make fair settlement offers rather than face him in court.
Take note
Motorcycle Awareness Month serves as an annual reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re a motorcyclist, a motorist, or simply someone who cares about preventing needless tragedies, this month provides an opportunity to recommit to safer driving practices and increased awareness.
For New York’s motorcycle community, having advocates like Mitchell Proner—who combine legal expertise with genuine passion for rider safety—provides both protection and hope. His dual role as a top motorcycle accident attorney in New York and a dedicated safety advocate ensures that injured riders receive not just legal representation, but understanding and commitment from someone who shares their passion for the open road.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact Proner & Proner today to speak with a motorcycle accident attorney in New York who understands your world and will fight tirelessly for your rights. Because when it comes to motorcycle safety and legal representation, experience and passion make all the difference.
We return our clients’ phone calls. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. I give out my personal cell phone number to all my clients, and I tell them they can feel free to contact me at any time. That’s what makes us different.
