Watching for motorcycles can avert tragedy and keep automobile insurance low

The federal government has launched a study that offers a sobering reminder to drivers about how being extra careful on the road can mean much more than just low automobile insurance rates.

The Federal Highway Administration reported this week that it is launching a sweeping study on motorcycle accidents and how they can be prevented, especially in light of how motorcyclists account for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities.

While road conditions, lack of experience and careless operation are major reasons for motorcycle crashes, drivers who fail to pay full attention while on the road also play a substantial role in such statistics.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, fatal motorcycle crashes have increased every year for the past decade, with 5,154 fatalities having occurred in 2007, a figure that increased 6.6 percent over 2006. The institute also noted that the fatality rate for motorcyclists is six times higher than the rate for passenger car occupants.

With these things in mind, taking the time to watch for motorcyclists and sharing the road with them can avert tragedy while also protecting one's automobile insurance rates over time.