Motorcycles zooming along the road are now among the common sights in any United States highway. Last 2004, sales of new motorcycles have gone beyond one million dollars. This figure increased higher by the summer of 2005 and yet gained another high by the year of 2006 especially since fuel prices have reached their all time high prices.

State laws all over United States have the same definition of the motorcycle. Accordingly, motorcycle as a motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider and have no more than three wheels. In some states, though, they have included the mopeds, while others do not.

Terrain vehicles or motorized bikes, which are off-the-road vehicles, are not included in the definition of the motorcycle. Thus, there are different laws and regulations for these vehicles. Having significant knowledge of the state laws governing the vehicle you aim to drive is important.

Due to the high-speed capability of motorcycles, and the minimal protection it gives its occupant, it became known as the most dangerous vehicle ever to grace the highway. According to studies, motorcycles topped all other vehicles for crash cost per person per mile. Fatalities caused by motorcycle-related accidents in the highways and streets increased by more than 40 percent since 1997. Consequently, there is also a rise on the number of injuries acquired from such accidents.

Collected data on motorcycle-related accidents have the following findings:

-there are very rare cases of vehicle defects

-most victims of such accidents are male, between the ages of 15 and 24

-Three fourths of the accident cases implicate collision with another vehicle, and most of these are passenger automobiles. While one fourth involves the collision of the motorcycle with some other object, a single vehicle accident.

-These collision accidents are mostly due to lack of attention on the part of the rider and a notable lack of training

-Many motorcyclists have no license or have revoked license.

-Driving under the influence of alcohol or DUI cases

-Only minimal cases involve accidents due to bad weather, road defects and animal involvement

-Most cases also involve speeding

Injuries acquired from motorcycle – related accidents are usually covered by private health insurance coverage, which benefits only a little more than half of crash victims. The government actually covers most of the medical costs in such cases. Other victims get to be covered by the Medicaid program or some other government program. Like car accident victims, motorcycle accident victims also face loss of work and loss of wage for work missed during hospitalization or due to the permanent disability after the accident. This finally results to decreased quality of life.

These serious implications of motorcycle-related accidents lead to the promulgation of the 2006 Motorcycle Safety Program Plan by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As an upgrade of their 2003 Plan, the 2006 Plan have the recommendations for implementation by state and local governments as preventive measures against motorcycle related accidents.

-increase access of riders to rider education programs

-increase the number of properly licensed motorcyclists

-reduce the cases of motorcyclists riding while sill impaired

-increase visibility of motorcyclists in roads, especially highways

-increase the use of helmet as ultimate protective gear

-Increase the awareness of other motorists’ on the presence of motorcyclists alongside them in highway roads.

Aside from helmets, as protective gear, motorcyclists must also wear proper reflective clothing, complete with gloves, boots, long pants and a long sleeved jacket. There must also be adequate eye and face protection for the motorcycle riders.

Furthermore, as an added safety net if ever accidents happen, all of the states, except for Washington required motorcycle riders to avail of minimal comprehensive insurance coverage, at the very least. Moreover, other states have certain laws that require a motorcycle owner and driver to manifest financial responsibility.