More than 130 motorcyclists and bicyclists died on Alabama roads in 2024, and state troopers are urging drivers to be aware of others on the road.
) - More than 130 motorcyclists and bicyclists died on Alabama roads in 2024. May marks both National Bicycle Safety Awareness Month and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month , and state troopers are urging drivers to be aware of others on the road.
The state recorded 125 motorcycle deaths in 2024, the deadliest year for motorcyclists in Alabama in over a decade. Eight bicyclists also died, and more than 180 suffered injuries. Serious injuries did see a slight decrease: 1,138 in 2024 compared to 1,178 in 2023.
Nationally, motorcyclists die at nearly 28 times the rate of passenger car occupants per mile traveled, according to theMore than 130 motorcyclists and bicyclists died on Alabama roads in 2024, and state troopers are urging drivers to be aware of others on the road. Young adults are among the most at risk. Data shows individuals ages 20 to 24 experienced the highest number of motorcycle crashes and injuries in Alabama in 2024.
With schools getting out for summer break, troopers say drivers need to be on alert for more kids on bikes. In Alabama, 86% of bicycle crashes happen on urban streets. Troopers say riders should wear bright or reflective clothing, gloves and helmets. The CDC says helmets alone cut the risk of a head injury by 69%.
Under Alabama law, all motorcycle operators and passengers are required to wear a properly fastened, DOT-approved helmet.
“The danger is heightened when you are operating a bicycle or motorcycle simply because you don’t have anything to shield you from a crash or the impact of the crash once you’ve collided. And so you’ll essentially be thrown off the motorcycle or bike,” said Trooper Jaylon James, ALEA public affairs officer for the Birmingham and Jacksonville area.
James says his agency responds to motorcycle crashes frequently and urges all drivers to slow down and increase following distance, especially in wet weather, when stopping distances increase. ALEA recommends giving motorcycles and bicycles at least two car lengths of space, and even more in wet weather. Troopers say that extra space could be the difference between a close call and a fatality.
Motorcycle Safety Bicycle Safety Awareness Month WBRC WBRC 6 Fox 6 Myfoxal News On Your Side Safety Check First Alert Traffic Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Bicycle Safety Awareness Month Alabama Motorcyclist Bicyclists National Highway Traffic Safety Administration CDC ALEA Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Trooper Jaylon James
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Steam Makes 2024 Game With 100% Positive Reviews Completely Free Until May 30Grab this 100% positive reviewed Steam game until May 30 for free.
Read more »
House Passes Bill Aimed at Cracking Down on Local Governments’ Cashless Bail ProgramsA 2024 study found “no statistically significant relationship” linking cashless bail with increases in violent crime.
Read more »
Pagani Buried The Zonda In 2024, Its Unico Division Keeps Digging It Back UpBuilt through Pagani's Unico division, this Zonda's interior has just as striking as the exterior
Read more »
2 Brunswick men sentenced to life in prison without parole in deadly 2024 retaliation ambush shootingTwo men from Brunswick will spend the rest of their lives behind bars after they were convicted of killing a 35-year-old Brunswick man in what prosecutors described as a retaliation ambush shooting in 2024.
Read more »