The 5 Most Dangerous Places to Motorcycle in Saginaw, Saginaw County Michigan
The City of Saginaw and Saginaw County Michigan were sites for a number of fatal and catastrophic motorcycle accidents during the 2012 riding season. The 2012 riding season began earlier in the year than usual and extended well into the fall due to warm, dry conditions. Yet this fact alone does not account for the increasing numbers of motorcycle deaths and severe injuries. According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), motorcycle deaths have increased every year over the last fourteen years, except in 2009. Motorcycle fatalities and injuries in Saginaw and Saginaw County Michigan have followed that trend.
Head injury is the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. NHTSA estimates that 1600 lives could have been saved in the U.S. during 2011 if helmets had been worn. In Michigan, helmet use became optional for most motorcycle riders in 2012. A University of Michigan study concluded that the 2012 motorcycle death toll was forecasted to decrease by 21, but instead increased by 18%. This statistic correlates with the repeal of the helmet law.
Alcohol continues to be a factor in motorcycle deaths. A 2011 NHTSA analysis of all motor vehicle fatal crashes concluded that 29% of motorcycle riders had blood alcohol levels of .08, while the percentages for passenger car drivers was 24%, 21% for light trucks and 1% for heavy-duty trucks.
According to an MLive report, there were 47 motorcycle accidents in the City of Saginaw and Saginaw County Michigan for the six months after April 13, 2012, including one fatality and seven catastrophic injuries. Here’s how the 5 Most Dangerous Places to Ride in the City of Saginaw and Saginaw County break down:
| Location | # of Accidents | Fatalities | Catastrophic Injuries | Injuries | Possible Injury | No Injury | Unknown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Saginaw | 15 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| Saginaw Township | 10 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Bridgeport Township | 10 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Buena Vista Township | 7 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| City/Twnshp of Birch Run | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Here at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik, we encourage all riders to wear DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear to stay safe, since catastrophic head injury is the leading cause of death and incapacitating injury in motorcycle accidents. And simply put, don’t drink and ride. Proper insurance coverage is important to have in place should you and your passenger be involved in a motorcycle crash. Medical expenses and treatment for a catastrophic head injury can be in excess of $1,000,000.
Our office has represented many motorcycle accident victims. Here are a few of our results:
$3.5 Million – Recovered for motorcycle accident victim with spinal and head injuries
$1.0 Million – Awarded to family of motorcyclist killed by motorist turning left
$750,000 – Settlement and benefits for motorcyclist with severe shoulder injuries hit by car turning left
If you or a loved one is a the victim of a motorcycle crash, call the experienced and compassionate lawyers at the Law Offices of Henry Hanflik for a free consultation at 810-720-4000, or toll free at 888-905-4632. We achieve superior results!