The Truth About Alcohol and Tennessee Motorcycle Safety

By Thomas Greer | January 26, 2015

All too often Tennessee motorcycle accidents result in serious injury or even death, leaving families financially stressed and emotionally devastated. So, it stands to reason that being absolutely careful when operating a motorcycle is important. And a key to Tennessee motorcycle safety lies in avoiding the use of alcohol, both by bikers and by drivers of other vehicles they share the road with.

In the past decade, motorcycle riding has become more and more popular. It is estimated that the number of households with at least one bike rose from 5.4% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2010.

Of course, as the number of bikes on the road increases, so does the number of accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that fatal bike crashes rose 0.7% from 2009-2010, with a total of 4,502 in 2010. Injuries, however, fell about 8.9% from 2009 to 2010.

But these statistics pale next to those regarding alcohol use and motorcycle safety for the year 2009:

  • 29% of fatally injured motorcyclists had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of over 0.08 percent. This compares with 23% of passenger vehicle drivers, 23% of light truck drivers and 2% of commercial truck drivers.
  • An additional 7% of bikers fatally injured had lower BAC levels, ranging from 0.01 to 0.07 percent.
  • Night crashes resulted in three times the fatalities as those during the day.
  • Weekend alcohol-involved motorcycle accidents resulted in a much higher fatality rate.
  • In Tennessee, approximately 6% of motorcycle crashes involved the use of alcohol between 2004 and 2008.

The effects of drinking and driving are very simple and well known. Your brain slows after even the first drink. This affects your judgment, coordination and ability to react quickly to an emergency.

As Memphis motorcycle accident attorneys, we urge you to think twice before you combine alcohol and your love for the open road. And never get on a bike as a passenger if the driver has been drinking. If you or a loved one has been a victim of drinking and driving, call Bailey & Greer toll free at 901-680-9777 for legal advice.

Posted in Library, Motorcycle Accidents