Few people would deny that motorcycles pose a higher accident risk and greater possibility of suffering permanent debilitating injuries than passenger vehicles. Motorcycles require a special skill set because of their unique handling features. When Mississippi motorcycles accidents do occur, they typically result in more serious injuries particularly when riders are not wearing motorcycle helmets. Approximately 4,500 motorcyclists per year die in fatal motorcycle accidents. The disproportional risk associated with motorcycle collisions has led to a contentious dispute in Washington D.C. over the use of “motorcycle-only checkpoints.”
A provision inserted into a proposed House transportation bill would prohibit the Department of Transportation from providing funding to state or local governments for conducting motorcycle-only checkpoints. The controversy over these vehicle specific safety inspection roadblocks arises out of a grant made to Georgia of $70,000 last year and scheduled to be paid to the state again this year for operating these motorcycle safety inspections. These motorcycle checkpoints are similar to vehicle safety checkpoints or DUI roadblocks. Law enforcement agents signal motorcyclist to stop, then safety inspections are conducted covering compliance with the mandatory helmet law, possession of a valid motorcycle drivers’ license and the condition of the bike.
Critics of the checkpoints including those supposing the provision prohibiting federal funding for these motorcycle-only checkpoints argue that they represent intrusive overreaching by the government. Some also contend that it is unfair to design checkpoints that only apply to a certain type of motor vehicle. Those that oppose the motorcycle checkpoints also suggest that motorcycle safety should be based on crash prevention as opposed to arbitrary stops of random riders. Those who support the use of motorcycle safety roadblocks argue that singling out motorcycles is no different than seatbelt checkpoints where motorcycles are excluded from the obligation to stop and undergo inspection.
One strong justification for the motorcycle safety checkpoints is rooted in the fact that many motorcycle accidents are caused by inexperienced and unlicensed riders. The National Highway Safety Administration reports that 22 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents are caused by unlicensed riders while only twelve percent of fatal passenger vehicle accidents involve unlicensed drivers. Because a substantial portion of the motorcycle checkpoint violations involve the violation of helmet laws, groups that view mandatory helmet laws as an unreasonable intrusion on personal liberty also oppose the motorcycle only checkpoints.
While it is unclear whether the provision will become law, proponents argue that the funds could be allocated more efficient to motorcycle education programs aimed at reducing motorcycle crashes. Regardless of one’s position on this issue, it is beyond dispute that many Mississippi motorcycle riders are injured and killed annually in collisions with motorists who fail to pay attention or obey traffic safety laws. If you or someone you love is injured or the life of a loved one is lost in a Mississippi motorcycle accident, our experienced Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys at Barrett Law are committed to holding careless motorists accountable and seeking fair compensation for injury victims. The experienced Mississippi motorcycle accident attorneys at Barrett Law have been providing effective representation to Mississippi injury victims for over 75 years. We provide diligent legal representation and impassioned advocacy so we invite you to call us today at 662-834-2376 to learn how we can help.