Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
The Dangers of Operating a Motorcycle After Drinking Alcohol (Part B)
Endangering Both the Rider and Others on the Road
When a car is driven under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is turned into a dangerous weapon, with thousands of pounds of steel hurdling down the road.
The opposite is true when riding a motorcycle after drinking. While the rider may pose less of a danger to others, he loses the relative safety that comes with riding in a car. Therefore, the risk of dying in a motorcycle accident is much higher than the comparative risk associated with automobiles.
Motorcycle Accidents Caused By Alcohol
By now, it should be abundantly clear that alcohol has a direct, negative effect on a rider’s ability to operate his bike. Statistics provided by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) illustrate the dangers: nearly half of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve the use of alcohol.
In fact, one quarter (25%) of fatal motorcycle accidents occur when a rider runs off the road, overturns, or falls from the bike.
Other Intoxicating Substances
Of course, alcohol isn’t the only substance you need to worry about if you plan on operating a motorcycle. Other illegal drugs such as marijuana also affect the way you ride, leaving you vulnerable to a motorcycle crash.
And prescription medicine like painkillers and anti-anxiety pills (even when properly prescribed) can slow reaction time and dull the senses.
If a rider has to take any of these drugs, they should be sure to leave their bike at home and ride with a friend.
Legal Consequences
Riding while under the influence carries stiff legal penalties, including the possibility of time in jail. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, for example, riders caught operating a motorcycle with any alcohol in their system are subject to a minimum 90-day license revocation. From there, the penalties only increase.
Even more frightening is the possibility that the operator’s insurance company will not cover medical bills in the event of a motorcycle crash involving alcohol. With surgeries and hospital stays potentially costing millions, a rider runs the risk of bankruptcy each time they get on their motorcycle after drinking.
Conclusion
Drinking and riding can result in motorcycle injuries, or even death. When planning on enjoying alcohol, motorcyclists should leave their bike at home.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Massachusetts, you may want to hire a Boston personal injury attorney.
Attorney Tom Kiley is a motorcycle enthusiast and personal injury lawyer. Read his motorcycle blog, Injured Biker Law, for more information on motorcycles, minimizing your risk of accidents, and what to do if you’ve been hit by a negligent driver.
Call now for a Free Consultation.
