The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Motorcycle Safety Courses Could Prevent Crashes, Experts Say
July 13, 2010

Learning a thing or two about motorcycle safety should be every biker’s responsibility.

Almost every weekend this summer has brought an overwhelming number of motorcycle accident fatalities and injuries, so it is no wonder that motorcycle experts think that taking safety education courses could be the key to preventing accidents.

Since 2001, almost 80% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes in Massachusetts had no motorcycle education, the state Registry of Motor Vehicles reports. So far, the reigstry advises, but does not require, that motorcycle permit holders take a safety course. The number of students who take motorcycle safety courses declines while motorcycle crash reports rise, pointing that a lack of motorcycle education could be at the heart of the problem.

According to the RMV, 8,401 students were enrolled in the Mass. Rider Education Program in 2009, compared to 9,308 in 2008, while the number of fatal motorcycle crashes in Mass. rose from 42 in 2008 to 52 in 2009. So far this year, there have been 18 fatal motorcycle crashes.

We urge all prospective riders to take motorcycle safety education courses before they go out on the roads. Knowing the dangers on the road and the ways to improve their performance is half the battle, as the numbers clearly show.