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University Researchers Study Motorcycle Crash Deaths in Los Angeles

By Renee Nordstrand on October 19, 2009

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-motorcycle-safety18-2009oct18,0,6000706.story

Oklahoma State University researchers have undertaken the largest comprehensive study of fatal motorcycle crashes since USC’s 1981 Hurt study, the LA Times reports.  The $3.1 million dollar study is funded by the highway reauthorization bill, the National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration, the American Motorcyclists Association, and various individual states. Researchers aim to explain the growing number of motorcycle crash fatalities in the past decade.

The study, which commenced last December in Los Angeles, will examine a sample size of 300 crashes to decipher the determining factors of the growing number of crashes.  Initial theories include the repeal of helmet laws in many states, and the increasing average age of the motorcycle rider (41 years).

According to the LA Times article, there are about 100,000 motorcycle crashes annually in the United States.  In 2008, 5,290 of these crashes resulted in death.  In 2007, there were 85 fatalities resulting from motorcycle crashes in Los Angeles County alone, according to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.

Hopefully, this study will shed light on the causes of motorcycle crashes and allow motorcyclists as well as other drivers on the road to develop an awareness of the major risk factors involved in riding in order to prevent future accidents.

If you or a loved one is injured in a motorcycle crash, contact a California motorcycle injury attorney, to find out how you can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost time from work, and pain and suffering.