Hawaii Personal Injury Blog - Motorcycle

Federal Highway Administration Studies Cause Of Motorcycle Crashes

Wayne Parsons — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:30:00 GMT

Hawaii247 reports that the Federal Highway Administration is conducting an ambitious new study to better understand and prevent motorcycle crashes, Administrator Victor Mendez announced.

Between 1997 and 2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased from 2,116 to 5,290 - a 150 percent jump, according to U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In 2008 alone, deaths due to motorcycle crashes rose by an estimated 2.2 percent while all other vehicle classes saw reductions in fatalities.

Motorcycles are one of the highest-risk groups on on our streets and highways with nearly 5,300 motorcycle riders dead in roadway crashes in 2008, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. 96,000 were injured. In 2008 alone, deaths due to motorcycle crashes rose by an estimated 2.2 percent while all other vehicle classes saw reductions in fatalities.

“Having a better understanding of what causes these crashes will help us improve roadway safety for everyone,” Mendez said. “Keeping people safe on America’s roads is Secretary LaHood’s top priority at the Department of Transportation.”

The new motorcycle crash causation study is the first in-depth analysis of motorcycle safety in 30 years. A provision in the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users” (SAFETEA-LU) requires the study, which will be conducted by the FHWA in partnership with the Oklahoma State University.

The Oklahoma Transportation Center is one of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 10 National University Transportation Centers, and it receives federal grants to conduct transportation research.

“OSU is delighted to be the lead research institution for this important study,” said Dr. Alan Tree, associate dean for research in OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. “We expect very significant, scientifically valid results to emerge from this work and look forward to a very positive final outcome.”

Factors evaluated in the study include road configurations, environmental conditions and rider experience.

The study’s focus is to look at how these factors may be affected by countermeasures that, if effectively implemented, will prevent motorcycle crashes or lessen the harm when they occur. Prevention is a goal.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a motorcycle causation study in 1981.

Hawaii has been among the states seeing high rates of motorcycle injury and death.

Motorcycle Deaths Skyrocket On Oahu by Wayne Parsons April 12, 2009

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcycle Deaths of Soldiers Returning From Iraq Spurs Biker Training Effort By Army

Wayne Parsons — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:22:39 GMT

Mari-Ela David (bio | email) of KHNL News reports on some of the most encouraging news regarding motorcycle riding in Hawaii this year in her story from Wahiawa today.

I have written many articles on this Blog in 2009 about the increasing rate of motorcycle death and injury in Honolulu, on Oahu and on Maui and the Big island.

Kapolei Man Dead In Yet Another Oahu Motorcycle Crash At Intersection - What is Going On With Motorcycles in Hawaii?

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash In Kaaawa

Hawaii Motorcycle Chronicles: Another Death On Friday

One concern has been lack of training. Anyone can buy and drive a huge motorcycle off the lot, but can they handle it in emergencies and do they understand the machine they own? The military is focusing on the right area by implementing advanced training because even though the soldiers have the physical and mental toughness to cope with war in Iraq, the motorcycle also requires training, just like they get training for the use of their weapons and the equipment they use as soldiers.

Few things are sadder than the death of a soldier returning safely from war. I have handled those cases and they are devastating to everyone including my entire office staff. So I am glad to see some efforts made to protect these most important people: the soldiers who defend us.

The Army says military motorcycle crashes are different from civilian ones, saying civilian accidents tend to involve other vehicles.

But when a soldier rides a motorcycle, numbers from the last two years show 80% of the time it's a solo-motorcycle accident.

This week's classes are designed to throw a disturbing trend off-course, one that has the U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii concerned its soldiers may die in motorcycle accidents after returning from war.

"That's been our experience since 2005. We have actually lost 16 soldiers that had recently come back from deployment, bought motorcycles and had died within months of coming back home," said Bill Maxwell, Safety Manager at Schofield Barracks.

The military isn't quite sure why, but says it's not a suicide attempt. It's more of a need for speed.

In March of 2007, video of a motorcycle made news, going more than 100 miles per hour on the H-3. The rider posted it on YouTube, indicating he was a Marine who spent time in Iraq.

"You come back from a combat situation, you're used to living on that edge. Motorcycles are some of the fastest way to get that adrenaline rush everyday," said Maxwell.

The military training course as we might expect is tough. Tougher than normal civilian training courses:

"It was for 3 days but it wasn't as near as many turns. It was a much smaller course," said 1st Lt. William Hollifield, about his beginning training course.

Experts from the California Superbike School in L.A. train soldiers through more than 500 curves in a four hour session alone.

On a basic course, students can only go up to 15 miles per hour but at Wheeler, they can go up to 50 miles per hour.

The idea is to simulate a real-life ride on roads and highways.

"You can't test yourself, your tires, or your motorcycle in a controlled environment like this on the street," said Lt. Col. Rob Howe.

And testing limits at Wheeler's motorcycle course could prove critical if faced with life-or-death on Hawaii's roads.

The motorcycle groups in Hawaii are also encouraging safety and offering their members training. I have been told that one of the great teachers of motorcycle training is Jerry "Motorman" Palladino.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqAEhAKmL4

Perhaps Hawaii should get him over for some training classes. A death or serious injury that is preventable is one of life's saddest moments.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Illinois man Killed in Big Rig Accident On Kauai

Wayne Parsons — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:04:48 GMT

Wesley VanValkenburg was a new father visiting Kauai to pay respects to his in-laws when he became the victim of a freak accident that led to a truck collision. On a warm Saturday morning a woman lost control of her motorcycle, veered into the path of a truck that struck the rental car carrying VanValkenburg and his family. The family and the motorcycle driver survived but Mr. VanValkenburg tragically died. The Jun VanValkenburg and their one year old son grant survived the crash that occurred near the Waialua Golf Course.

I don't know how to prevent these tragedies but the losses are so huge that they are hard to comprehend. The family has lost their shining star and his wife and son will have to go on without a man who stood out as a leader and protector:

Thornburg says her brother never took life for granted. Back in 2004 in Chicago, a last-minute shift change opened his eyes after two fire trucks collided killing one of the paramedics.

"Wes was supposed to be sitting in that passenger seat, where the guy died in the fire truck and he had switched out a shift. All he did after that was go to the family and helped the family that was lost instead of himself," said Thornburg.

His family says he was a small-town boy who made a big impact on everyone he came across and knowing he's now in a better place is helping them heal.

"Huge loss, he's a person who touched more lives than any of the other of us combined," said Thornburg.

Back home in Machias, Illinois the suffering is felt throughout the community.

All of Hawaii sends deep and sincere condolences for this tragic loss.

The story brings to the fore front or my mind, once again, the question of motorcycle safety. Hawaii has seen an epidemic of motorcycle injury and death this year. The roads are becoming more crowded with motorcycles and more are being sold. Do the drivers have proper training? I am very interested in that issue as are motorcycle experts and state and county authorities. My other articles point to training as a key part of the problem. Why did the lady veer into the path of the truck? How fast was she going? How fast was the truck going. Cell phones? I hope not. The following articles highlight the problems that motorcycles are causing and what happens after an injury or death:

Hawaii Motorcycle Chronicles: Another Death On Friday

Recovering Damages in a Motorcycle Accident

The facts of the conduct of the motorcycle driver and the Big Rig truck driver will be coming out as the investigation continues. In Mr. VanValekenburg's memory I hope that we as a community can learn from this tragedy and implement better driving habits. Please keep an eye out for motorcycles and please motorcycle drivers on Kauai and all Islands, take safe driving courses. The motorcycle can be unstable and must be carefully operated. Finally, for the truckers on the roadways in Hawaii, please go slow and be careful!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcyclist Dies In Crash In Kaaawa

Wayne Parsons — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:18:32 GMT

A motorcyclist died as a result of a crash is Kaaawa on Sunday. The motorcyclist's 10-year-old daughter was a passenger when they were struck by an Hawaiian Telcom truck that was turning into the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenience store.

Paramedics arrived at the scene and transported the girl to the hospital in stable condition. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died.

Police identified the motorcyclist as a local resident in his 50s.

Oahu's deadly statistics for motorcycle injuries and deaths continue to alarm. I have posted several articles on deaths and serious injuries involving motorcycles and pedestrians in crosswalks already this year. In both types of incidents it appears that motorists may not see the motorcycle or the pedestrian. In this crash it is unknown at this time what happened. But the tragic consequences are terribly sad.

Automobile, Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths On Oahu Continue to Rise by Wayne Parsons

Our condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected. Details about why this incident happened are of interest to those of us who hope to prevent future tragedies.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Automobile, Motorcycle and Pedestrian Deaths On Oahu Continue to Rise

Wayne Parsons — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:53:08 GMT

So far this year the main focus of this Blog has been on the alarming number of traffic deaths on Oahu. One week it is motorcycles. The next pedestrians hit in crosswalks or walking along Oahu streets. Then it shifts to speeding cars and drunken drivers. What's going on? I am attorney who represents the victims of these tragic incidents. Enough already. I don't want to see any more of this carnage. But like everyone I am at a loss to explain the epidemic of injury and death on Oahu roads.

This weekend KHON TV News did a story on the problem that is worth reading. KHON reported on the motorcycle safety rally this morning (Sunday):

“Everyone of these guys represent at least four or five other riders, so if there's one guy in the group making sure they are doing the right thing that helps,” Cycle City senior salesman Khepera Ridley said.

Because of the recent surge in motorcycle deaths riders decided to take a stand for safety and lead by example.

“We can only give them the rules of the road and hope they go out there and they adhere to them,” Honolulu HOGS head captain Keith Roach said.

Khepera Ridley and Keith Roach are taking the initiative to do something to save lives among the motorcycle faithful. Of the 39 fatalities in traffic accidents in Hawaii this year 13 have been motorcyclists.

As the death and serious injury toll rises we all know the biggest problem: the driver. Speed, alcohol and driving practices. We do know of some hazardous roads but the drivers and riders are the biggest part, particularly if they make the decisions to drink alcohol, drive and speed!.

An earlier Star Bulletin story pointed to the problem with motorcycles:

Motorcyclists often will operate their bikes beyond their abilities, especially if they just purchased a motorcycle or obtained their license, says police solo bike officer Kristopher Kiyabu.

"They may ride beyond their abilities, test the acceleration or braking or turning capabilities," he said yesterday at a news briefing at Pearl City Police Station.

Negotiating a turn too quickly is another common mistake motorcyclists make, he said.

The story also listed the incidents as of February 26, 2009:

This year's fatal bike crashes
The motorcycle-related deaths occurring this year:

» Jan. 1: Wayne Medeiros Jr., 36, of Honolulu was reported speeding on Kamehameha Highway in Waipahu. Police found Medeiros on the ground after he failed to make it around a left bend near Paiwa Street and struck a guardrail and large rock. The medical examiner determined Medeiros was under the influence of crystal methamphetamine.

» Jan. 1: Michael Galutira, 29, of Ewa Beach was riding a black 2003 motorcycle on Kupuna Loop in Waipahu when he failed to get through a turn in the road and struck a parked truck. Police said he was not wearing a helmet. The medical examiner determined he had a blood alcohol content level of 0.195, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.

» Jan. 10: Stanley Lambert, 57, of American Samoa was operating a silver Harley-Davidson and lost control while turning left onto Malakole Street from the Barbers Point Harbor. The motorcycle went off the road and struck a concrete piling. Police said he suffered severe head injuries. He was not wearing a helmet. Lambert died on Jan. 23 from his injuries. Police said speed was not a factor.

» Feb. 14: Shawn Wilden, 37, of Honolulu was speeding toward Kailua on a red 1998 Harley-Davidson when he lost control coming out of the tunnel. Police said he hit a curb and concrete railing and overturned. He was thrown from his bike and sustained severe head injuries. Police said he was wearing a helmet. Wilden died two days later.

» Feb. 22: Willie Davis, 35, of Kapolei was traveling more than 100 mph on a 2008 Suzuki motorcycle on the H-1 freeway near the Seventh Avenue overpass when he lost control of the bike, slammed into a guardrail and was thrown onto the roadway. Davis, a technical sergeant with the 15th Airlift Wing, was then struck by a car.

Now there are more tragedies.

Dr. Michael Patmas sent me a Comment to an earlier article about motorcycle deaths. He is an experienced motorcyclist and he hurts when he sees these deaths and injuries, His Comment is worth reading:

These statistics break my heart. As a rider for 39 years and a physician, I see poor riding skills every day. It takes knowledge of technique and continuous practice over many years to learn how to ride correctly. Motorcycles are not dangerous, unskilled riders are! All bikers should take rider improvement classes. I highly recommend the DVD by Jerry "Motorman" Palladino - "How to Ride Like a Pro". The best riders are motor officers. Practice so you can ride like they do! There is no margin for error.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQqAEhAKmL4

The Sunday training session in Honolulu created by Cycle City and the Honolulu Hogs was attended by nearly 100 riders wanting to learn safe motorcycle riding techniques.

Shawn Wilden died wearing his helmet in an accident on the Pali Highway in February:

“Thankfully there were no other vehicles involved so it was just an unfortunate accident,” Wilden’s widow Christy Wilden said.

“He loved bikes, he loved Harley and I know he would have wanted us to continue and be safe,” Wilden said.

perts say more than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol related.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving Carol McNamee, as reported by KHON TV alcohol and speed are a deadly combination and at the root of the problem: “Its one of the biggest factors alcohol and speed” said McNamee.

Theresa Paulette Winn's 15 year old son was a pedestrian killed by a repeat drunk driver. KHON interviewed her:

“It's impacted my life until today, it's a pain that never goes away,” Winn said.

She says education and enforcement are key to saving lives.

"I would like to see drunk driving eliminated and not harm any other innocent victims,” Winn said.

MADD's McNamee and the Honolulu HOGS Roach plea for making better decisions:

“Just think about what you are doing,” McNamee said.

“When you get on your bike are you going to do the right thing,” Roach said.

The Honolulu Police Department is going after speeding and alcohol. Good for them. If you get pulled over, thank the officer. He or she may be saving your life or the life of others. The police will be speaking at schools and community events on Oahu about the importance of road safety.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Kapolei Man Dead In Yet Another Oahu Motorcycle Crash At Intersection - What is Going On With Motorcycles in Hawaii?

Wayne Parsons — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:14:46 GMT

According to the Honolulu Star Bulletin the city medical examiner has identified Roy Bengochea, 32, of Kapolei as the man whose motorcycle crashed into an SUV in Campbell Industrial Park. Mr. Bengochea died Tuesday afternoon from his injuries. Suffering a right leg fracture at the scene, he died of cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

According to police Bengochea, not wearing a helmet, was heading north on Kalaeloa Boulevard when he was hit by a south-bound Chevy Suburban turning left onto Kauhi Street about 1:30 p.m.

Bengochea was originally listed in serious condition with a right leg fracture, but suffered cardiac arrest en route to a hospital, police said. He was pronounced dead at 2:58 p.m.

Neither speed nor alcohol were involved, police said. Bengochea's death was the 22nd traffic fatality on O'ahu this year, compared to 12 at this time last year, police said.

Police say the collision happened when a vehicle made a left turn in front of the motorcycle. It seems unusual for a 32 year old man to suffer cardiac arrest after fracturing his leg. I wonder what happened?

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

One Dead And One Seriously Injured When Motorcycle Hits Guardrail On Oahu

Wayne Parsons — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:28:09 GMT

A 27 year old woman driving a motorcycle on Kaukonahua Road on the North Shore was killed when her motorcycle went out of control and hit a guardrail. Her passenger, a 23 year old woman was taken to the hospital in critical condition and is improving. Police say speed was a factor in the crash at an area where the posted speed limit is 25 mph. Both riders were ejected from the motorcycle at the time of the crash and both were wearing helmets.

The crash occured at the "s-curve" and the motorcycle was headed towards Waialua.

According to a TV news report by KITV:

The thing about speed limits is not something you can ignore. It's what engineers have figured out based on the curvature of the road, the incline the surface. It's what your vehicle can handle if you go too far past that you breaking the laws of physics," said Lt. Darren Izumo, with the Honolulu Police Department.

According to a TV news report by Olena Rubin at KHON TV News, the death of this young motorcyclist is the nineteenth death on Oahu roads so far this year.

Again it looks like speed is a contributing cause. As we all have noticed on Oahu, the police are being pro-active in stopping and ticketing speeders lately. Good for them. If you speed, slow down. People are dying out there. Don't be the cause and don't be the victim.

“The operator of the motorcycle was killed at the scene and the passenger was taken to Queens in critical condition and then later upgraded to good condition,” Honolulu Police Department Lt. Darren Izumo said.

“At this time we believe speed was a factor and we will determine later if drugs or alcohol was involved,” Lt. Izumo said.

Kaukonahua Road is notorious for injury and death as one of the deadliest roads on Oahu because of crashes like this. “Its only dangerous is you are exceeding the posted speed limit, which I believe is 25 miles per hour, that's because it does curve,” Lt. Izumo said.

The KHON report recalled prior incidents:

Just over a year ago a 27 year-old Scholfield soldier died after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed head on with an SUV.

Four months earlier another motorcyclist died at that same spot after he spun out of control, he was speeding at the time.

The police explain in the KHON report that the speed limit isn't arbitrary. It is calculated by engineers who look at road surface, radius of turns, slopes and banks. Speed limits cannot be safely ignored:

“The thing about speed limits is its not, its not something you can ignore, its what the engineers have figured out based on the curvature of the road, the incline, the surface is what your vehicle can handle,” Lt. Izumo said.

“If you go too far past that you're breaking the laws of physics basically and unlike regular speeding where you break the law and you get cited if you break the laws of physics things like this happen,” Lt. Izumo

I have written about motorcycle crashes too much this year.

Motorcycle Deaths Skyrocket On Oahu

Elderly Man Killed On Kaukonahua Road

The grieving families of these sad incidents is incalculable. These young women were having a wonderful Sunday ride with friends. Now their lives are shattered and their families grieve. The police and the highway people have grappled with this stretch of road for years, They have installed rmble strips, They post signs andinstall guardrails but still the tragedies continue. As the police officer said about this incident, at the end of the day the fault lies with the driver in most cases. As a sad post mortem, most motorcycle owners carry minimum policies of insurance on their bikes and serious injuries and deaths that occur often put the victims on public assistence to pay for medical bills and loss of income is lost forever.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcycle Deaths Skyrocket On Oahu

Wayne Parsons — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:59:42 GMT

The sad facts about motorcycle crashes in Hawaii:

7 motorcycle deaths on Oahu in 2008
2 motorcycle deaths on Oahu on a single day - January 1, 2009
6 motorcycle deaths on Oahu in the first 3 months of 2009
2 motorcycle deaths on Neighbor Islands in March 2009

Speed probably has something to do with this. And people often complain about motorcycles and mopeds swerving in and out if traffic. Not wearing motorcycle helmets is often said to be a factor in the seriousness of the injury. Motorcycle Safety has gotten a lot of attention as I wrote in an article on January 3, 2009: Motorcycle Safety Education Gets Attention After Fatal Crashes.

What do you think. All I know is that it is sad to see these tragic events occur in larger numbers. Each fatality is devastating to a family.

As Michael Tsai of the Honolulu Advertiser reports:

Just last month, HPD called on local drivers and motorcyclists to slow down and be aware of their surroundings in response to a surge in motorcycle-related accidents.

Two days later, Wesley Garcia of Wai'anae was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle and fell in the path of a school bus.

Last week, Simon Cesar, 19, of Hilo, was killed when the 2006 Suzuki motorcycle he was borrowing crossed the center line of Kipimana Street and struck a utility pole.

On Friday, 24-year-old Joshua Thurman of Lahaina died when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a guardrail on Honoapi'ilani Highway on Maui.

One thing for sure, drivers need to share the road with motorcyclists, keep a lookout for a moped or motorcycle and all drivers on the highways must be cautious. Chris Laye is president of the local Harley Owners Group. Michael Tsai spoke with him about the problem:

"Motorcyclists need to slow down, take their time and not be in a rush to get where they're going," said Chris Laye, president of the local Harley Owners Group. "Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, always their 6 o'clock (checking behind when changing lanes) and look who's around."

Laye, 38, said unstable gas prices and the rising popularity of motorcycles in general have contributed to greater numbers of riders on the highways, which in turn necessitates greater vigilance and responsibility by all.

"I would not necessarily say it's been a bad year; there has just been some misfortune," he said. "As long as people do the basic things like be aware and wear the proper protective equipment, (Honolulu) is as dangerous or as safe as anywhere else."

The statistics are a wake-up call to all motorists, moped riders and motorcycle riders.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcyclist Dies On Off Road Trail Above Kam Highway In Kahuku

Wayne Parsons — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:01:46 GMT

Everyone knows that riding motorcycles on off road trails is dangerous. Is it more dangerous than riding a motorcycle in heavy traffic at night when other car and truck drivers don't see the bike? I don't know. But taking a motorcycle off road is definitely risky. So when I read the report in the Honolulu Advertiser of a motorcycle death in Kahuku in rugged terrain above Hawaii Motocross Park I assumed that it was another motorcycle crash. However it seems that this unfortunate motorcycle enthusiast may have suffered a heart attack. According to the Honolulu Advertiser story:

The area is a trail above the Kahuku Motocross Track. Honolulu Fire Department rescue crews and Emergency Medical Services personnel searched the rugged area for almost an hour after receiving a report that a motorcyclist had suffered a heart attack and needed help, HFD spokesman Capt. Earle Kealoha said.

Motorcyclists eventually guided HFD and EMS personnel to the site about a mile from the motocross track, where the man was pronounced dead at 4:20 p.m., EMS spokesman Bryan Cheplic said.

The area of the incident occurred in rugged terrain mauka of Kam Highway.

The ridge going up in the middle of the screen is Hawaii Motocross Park and the dead cyclist was injured up among the trees high on the ridge.

Our condolences to the family and friends of the rider. He was living life to the fullest when he died and no one can do more than that.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons

Motorcycle Safety Education Gets Attention After Fatal Crashes

Wayne Parsons — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:37:48 GMT

Leland Kim of KHNL reports that "after three fatal motorcycle accidents in three days, the question turns to safety on our roads. Some motorcycle riders wonder if enough is being done to educate the public about motorcycle safety."

Four million Americans ride motorcycles. In the KHNL story Leland Kim interviewed Robert Carr a motorcyclist for 50 years who hates to see news stories like this one about a single motorcycle crash and a death in Honolulu:

"Every time I see this type of thing happen, it upsets me very much," said the 69-year-old Aiea resident. "We're working hard in the motorcycle community to lower our figures."

According to KHNL, Motorcycle fatalities represent about five percent of all highway fatalities in the United States, but only account for two percent of all registered vehicles.

Carr points out that more education of both motorcycle drivers and motorists is in order:

"We need to have more public service announcements to make automobile drivers aware that we're out there," said Carr, who moved to Hawaii from Grand Coulee Dam, Washington, in the 1980s. "And unfortunately we have to consistently pound that message."

As for speed, Carr had this to say for riders who get a thrill from going dangerously fast.

"Common sense, rules of the road, not trying to be some kind of a hero as painted by extreme sports on a motorcycle because they don't go together," said Carr.

Ultimately, Carr hopes more funding goes towards education.

"But if we can more of our highway dollars spent properly on motorcycle awareness and safety, maybe we can truly see these figures come down," he said.

For automobile drivers, Carr asks that they

"Look twice; the second time you may see the motorcycle," said Carr. "It's that type of thing. Look for us. Be aware that we are there and have a right to be there."

Hopefully the KHNL reporting and Carr's wise words will save lives in the future. Now as I head out today I'll remember to "look twice".

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Wayne Parsons