Increased use of motorcycles and scooters leading to more injuries
Print |
With gas prices soaring, many people are looking to alternative transportation.
Because gas mileage concerns, interest in motorcycles and scooters has increased -but this can lead to more injuries.
Gillian Mosier, RN, Trauma Manager at Backus Hospital, said Backus has been seeing more motorcycle crashes in the Emergency Department.
"Motorcycles are cheaper and they get better gas mileage, but drivers are inexperienced and that leads to crashes," she said.
On June 13, there were three fatalities in three different "car versus motorcycle" crashes in Hebron, Woodstock and Montville. Motorcyclists were also killed in similar accidents on June 17 in Willimantic and a July accident in Norwich.
Motorcycles and scooters offer increased fuel economy over traditional vehicles, ranging anywhere from manufacturer claims of 40 to more than 100 miles per gallon, depending on the engine size, vehicle weight, and passenger size, which can mean significant savings over most cars. Smaller bikes can run anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000.
According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, sales of scooters are up about 24 percent for the first few months of 2008. Yamaha scooter sales to date this year are up 65 percent over last year. Vespa set an all-time sales record in May, moving 2,758 scooters in the United States, besting the previous record from June, 2007, of 1,675.
Ms. Mosier said she did see a scooter injury in the beginning of spring.
"I have seen them on the road and expect to see more scooter and motorcycle injures as the summer progresses," she said.
She advises anyone on a scooter or motorcycle to use all the safety equipment available, to be aware of their surroundings, and take advantage of any training offered. She said usually places that sell motorcycles offer classes for newer operators, even if you didn't purchase from them.
The state Department of Motor Vehicles also offers training classes. There are beginner, intermediate and experienced rider courses offered by the state. The beginner class, which is required for 16 and 17 year olds, includes about 16 hours of classroom and on-road instruction.
You must already have a Connecticut driver's license to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. The intermediate class is for operators with some experience and a learner's permit.
The experienced rider course is for riders with at least six months experience, it is an eight-hour course concentrating on evasive maneuvers, braking and turning.
For more information about these classes and where they are held, go to the DMV website at www.ct.gov/dmv and click on driver's licenses and identification on the left and then motorcycle information.
Ms. Mosier said all drivers should be more aware of their surroundings and watch for motorcycles, scooters and pedestrians.
"Pay attention to the road, not the radio, your kids or cell phones," she said. "And obey speed limits."
Pedestrians should be careful and use crosswalks. If you are walking or running for exercise, make sure you can be seen by wearing light clothing and reflector tape.