DUI Suspected in Pacific Beach Motorcycle Accident

Earlier this week, a motorcycle accident in Pacific Beach led to a driver’s arrest and put a motorcyclist in the hospital. According to San Diego Talk Radio, this past weekend a number of DUI checkpoints were set up throughout San Diego. Over the Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend, the city worried that celebrations from the holiday might lead to increased incidents of drinking and driving. The DUI checkpoints were intended to monitor for these drunk drivers.

However, the motorcycle accident in Pacific Beach actually happened in front of a police officer, according to a local CBS 8 station. The motorcyclist attempted to make a left turn when a driver in an automobile hit him from behind. The driver was taken into custody. He currently faces DUI charges for his role in the accident. While no specific information about the motorcyclist has been released, the California Highway Patrol expects to have more information in the coming days.

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can discuss your case with you today. Although we can never be fully prepared for drunk drivers, the recent accident raises concerns about motorcycle safety here in California. Are you safe on your motorcycle?
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motorcycle deaths have risen sharply since 2000. In fact, between 2001 and 2008, the CDC reported that there were more than 34,000 motorcycle fatalities in the U.S., and more than 1.2 million people were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries related to motorcycle use. Most of these non-fatal injuries affected the leg or foot area (at 30 percent), followed closely by injuries to the head and neck (at 22 percent).

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the CDC showed that the highest death rates occurred in people in their 20s, with the highest rate of death among 20-24 year olds, closely followed by people between the ages of 25-29.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

First and foremost, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasizes the importance of riding sober. According to the NHTSA, the number of intoxicated motorcyclists who are involved in fatal accidents is much higher than the number of intoxicated automobile drivers who are involved in these crashes. The NHTSA advises all motorcycle riders to “ride smart and sober.”

The CDC also emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet. While each state has its own law regarding helmet use, motorcycle riders should wear helmets regardless of whether their state requires it. California requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets. Under VC Section 27803(a), a driver and any passenger on a motorcycle must wear a safety helmet that meets the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Other safety tips include:

· Don’t ride after you’ve been drinking alcohol. Even if you’re under the legal limit, alcohol seriously impairs your operation of a motorcycle.
· Don’t let your friends ride after they’ve been drinking.
· Wear protective clothing in addition to your helmet. It’s also a good idea for your protective clothing to contain bright colors or reflective materials so you’re visible to automobile drivers.
· Don’t tailgate.
· Always stay within the speed limit and take extra precautions when inclement weather could lead to slippery road surfaces.

Licensed motorcycle accident attorneys in California can help you seek compensation if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Contact us today.