Motorcyclists are frequently spotted on the Louisiana roads. While drivers will generally do whatever they can to maintain safety for the rider, some do not pay attention to the road. Distracted driving remains one of the biggest dangers drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians will face. While lawmakers try to deal with the issue, it is important to keep track of studies regarding how distracted drivers can cause a fatal accident. With motorcyclists, this is especially problematic. A recent study indicates that the number of fatalities with motorcyclists is worse in states where there is no ban on using cellphones while driving. This could be important for those who have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash and want to file a wrongful death claim.
According to the study from Florida Atlantic University, the number of motorcyclists who died in crashes has been declining when states banned cellphones for drivers. Researchers say that it is unclear as to whether laws have lowered overall death rates in traffic accidents. For motorcyclists, there has been a significant reduction. To come to its conclusions, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 2005 to 2015 were examined. The number of deaths in general were examined along with motorcycle fatalities. By separating the states based on whether there was a cellphone ban for drivers or not, it discovered that the states with bans had up to 11 percent fewer fatal motorcycle accidents.
Louisiana has a ban on cellphone use near schools and people are not allowed to text, but there is no ban on handheld cellphones. Even when there is a ban on the practice, many drivers still do it. Given the relatively light penalties for it, many are willing to take the risk. Combining that with motorcyclists’ vulnerability and it becomes a toxic mix for every state. This research shows that states like Louisiana without harsh distracted driving laws could be riskier for them.
After a fatal accident involving a motorcyclist, people should think about the future and how they can move forward. There will be funeral expenses. The family will face other issues from the loss. There will be lost wages and extensive problems getting beyond the overall impact of the loss. Having legal assistance from a law firm that understands all aspects of a wrongful death case is the first step to filing a case.