North Carolina Motorcycle Deaths Rise as Overall Traffic Deaths Fall
North Carolina offers lots of great riding for motorcyclists with our rolling hills in the Piedmont and great mountain views from the Blue Ridge Parkway and other highways that go through the mountains. On a recent weekend trip from Charlotte to Asheville and back, I saw a lot of motorcycles on the roads. The temperature was great and the sky was clear, and I can imagine that riding through the mountains on a motorcycle would be a great way to spend the day.
The Charlotte Observer recently ran a story that motorcycle deaths rose by 20% so far through 2010 as compared to this point in 2009. While the number of motorcycle deaths has increased, the number of deaths from all traffic accidents fell. While the North Carolina General Assembly passed new laws about the operation of motor cycles, the new laws don't go far enough.
When a collision occurs between a motorcycle and a car, the car is going to win because motorcycles provide no protection to the driver. This is an especially important difference when both vehicles are traveling at high speeds, such as on a highway or interstate. The negligence of the driver of a car, SUV and especially tractor-trailer that causes a collision with a motorcycle will have much more serious consequences for the driver of the motorcycle.
In August of 2009, Senate Bill 64 was signed into law. The law takes effect on January 1, 2011 and requires anyone who drives a motorcycle to have a motorcycle learner's permit or a motorcycle endorsement on their driver's license. In order for a person over 18 years old, the law requires passing a written or oral test concerning motorcycles and a sign test. For people under 18, the new law requires passing a written or oral test about motorcycles and completing one of three safety courses. The law establishes a learner's permit program as well, but I don't see any reason for a person over 18 with a driver's license to do that in lieu of getting the motorcycle endorsement.
North Carolina is a great State and offers superb opportunities for riding motorcycles. However, despite this new law, North Carolina can do more to provide motorcyclists with the skills necessary to avoid other negligent drivers and operate in a safe manner. This would start with requiring everyone, not just those drivers under 18, to complete one of the motorcycle courses referenced in the law.
