“BUI”: Drunk Bikers as Dangerous as Drunk Drivers

Alcohol doesn’t care whether you are driving a car or riding a motorcycle. Either way, the combination of booze and operating a motor vehicle can be disastrous. In fact, drinking and riding is even more dangerous than drinking and driving.

According to a report by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, alcohol is a greater risk factor for fatal crashes involving motorcycles than other types of vehicle operation. For example, 1 in 4 automobile driver fatalities in the United States were alcohol-related during 2005. That same year, 1 in 3 motorcycle rider fatalities (1 in 3) were related to alcohol.

A separate study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found similar results. Specifically:

Thirty percent of fatally injured motorcycle riders in 2014 had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08 percent
In single-vehicle motorcycle crashes, 43 percent of bikers had a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher
Fifty-five percent of motorcycle drivers killed at night (9 p.m.-6 a.m.) in 2014 had BACs at or above 0.08 percent.
4,035 people were killed in 2014 in motorcycle accidents involving a biker over the legal limit for alcohol
More so than drivers, bikers need coordination, balance, attention, and quick reaction times in order to avoid a potentially fatal accident. Bikers know this; the overwhelming majority of bikers are some of the safest drivers on the road, balancing their love for the open road and the wind in their hair face with their vigilance about protecting themselves, their bikes, and everyone else on the road. More than half (57%) off fatal motorcycle accidents were caused by car and truck drivers, so the ability to react to other drivers’ negligence is crucial.

But the decision to get on your ride after you’ve been drinking is one that you could regret for the rest of your life. Stay free, but stay alive.

The Parian Law Firm: Metro Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

At The Parian Law Firm, we represent bikers who have been injured in accidents caused by the negligence of other drivers. Our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident attorneys understand the unique issues involved in motorcycle accident lawsuits and aggressively pursue compensation on behalf of injured riders.

Please give us a call at (770) 727-5550 or chat live online with a member of our staff today. We can discuss your situation, evaluate your potential claim, and advise you of your options. We look forward to assisting you.