Fatal motorcycle crashes are on the rise in Maine

There have been 19 individuals killed in motorbike accidents thus far this yr in Maine, in comparison with 21 in all of final yr. Police say 13 victims weren’t sporting helmets. John Kohler teaches motorbike security for the Bureau of Motor Automobiles. He is survived two crashes and says sporting a helmet and leather-based gear saved his life.

“If you get up in a helicopter after a motorbike crash you already know you are not going house for awhile,” Kohler mentioned. “All of the gear, heavy leather-based jacket, gloves, and a helmet saved my life, for positive.”

Maine legislation would not require motorbike riders to put on a helmet, until the rider is underneath 18.

Of the 19 deadly crashes, police say ten concerned one other car. Kohler says driver inattention and distraction was a consider certainly one of his accidents, and it is as much as each riders and drivers to be alert and on the lookout for one another.

“I’ve truly been hit from behind on a motorbike when somebody was on their cellphone. If it wasn’t me it might have been a bit child. I used to be at a yield signal and this large SUV hit me onerous,” Kohler mentioned.

Police additionally report that alcohol has been a consider some deadly motorbike accidents this yr.