Motorcyclists and “Riding” Under the Influence

Drunk driving is a problem year round, and particularly during the holiday season. Recent reports show that over 16,000 people were injured in drunk driving accidents in California in one year. That number is far too high. Drunk driving puts not only the driver’s life at risk, but it also increases the risk of injury or death to other motorists.

And drunk driving isn’t just for automobiles. Recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that drunk driving deaths involving motorcycles are on the rise and that motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes are 2.5 times more likely to have consumed alcohol than passenger vehicle drivers.. Indeed, motorcyclists have the highest percentage of alcohol-related deaths — about 46% of riders killed in accidents, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), have alcohol in their system at the time of their death.

Drunk Driving Consquences

According to a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) spokeperson, drinking and driving for car and motorcycle operators is habitual and that first offenders surveyed after being arrested for drunk driving anonymously admitted they had gotten away with drinking and driving an average 87 times prior to being caught.

Truth About Motorcycling Under the Influence

Riding a motorcycle under the influence of drugs and alcohol can have deadly consequences. The MSF estimates that even the least amount of alcohol increases a rider’s chance of crashing five times. Many innocent victims suffer needlessly as a result of this reckless behavior, but know that the law and our experienced legal team are on your side.

For more information on how to pursue a claim against a motorcyclist who injured you or a loved one in an accident, contact attorney Barry P. Goldberg today for a free, no obligation consultation.