95% of Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in New York Happen in Suffolk County

Motorcycle accidents in New York

SUFFOLK COUNTY, Long Island, N.Y. — The American Automobile Association authored a study of motorcycle accidents and determined that 95% of all fatal motorcycle crashes in New York happen in Suffolk County on Long Island. Long Island News 12 reported the staggering conclusions reached by AAA. Both Suffolk County and Nassau County police indicate that they have responded to far too many motorcycle accidents involving severe personal injuries or fatalities. In the week prior to AAA publishing the results of its investigation, local police said they responded to no fewer than seven motorcycle accidents involving collisions with motor vehicles. Two motorcycle riders died in those accidents, and at least four others sustained injuries.

Ascertaining the overarching cause for the substantial number of fatal motorcycle accidents on Long Island, and in Suffolk County, in particular, need no go beyond how many motorcycles are registered on Long Island. Long Island News 12 reported that the New York State DMV recorded 50,000 motorcycles registered in Suffolk and Nassau Counties combined.

The sheer volume of motorcycles registered in Long Island counties tells only part of the story. AAA’s analysis found that many accidents between motorcycles and motor vehicles occur when a car turns left in front of the motorcycle without much if any, warning. When that happens, there is no time for the motorcycle rider to respond evasively and they smash into the side of the vehicle. This t-bone collision typically results in the ejection of the rider from the motorcycle saddle. Ejection crashes could cause massive internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries even if the rider’s helmet stayed on in the collision.

AAA recommends taking an annual defensive driving course as a method of staying sharp when riding a motorcycle. Practicing defensive driving techniques will help a rider avoid perilous situations that might otherwise turn out to be deadly. AAA also advises motorists to be mindful that motorcycles could appear in the path of their turn without warning.