Creative Commuters: Many Turn to Scooters and Motorcycles to Ease Pain at the Pump

Nick Avgerinos — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:07:00 GMT

Our slowing economy and climbing oil prices explain the panic that many people are feeling when it comes time to fill up at the pump. Some are driving less, others are carpooling , and a surprising number are opting for Metra . But some of us are taking a more creative approach to commuting; these individuals are trading in their gas guzzlers to tool around on two wheels. No, I’m not talking about those grabbing their bicycles. Rather, I’m referring the spike in sales of motorcycles and scooters .

It’s not just a few people making the switch either. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council , sales are up 24% in the first few months of 2008 alone. Yamaha reports that its scooter sales are up 65% from this time last year. And Vespa set an all-time sales record in May, selling 2,758 in the United States alone. That nearly doubled its previous record. It makes sense that as gas prices continue to climb, so will these sales.

But, for drivers steering toward these creative commutes, how much savings is there really? Of course, it depends on what kind of mileage these motorists used to get; in other words, is the switch from a Hummer or a Prius ? But the manufacturer mileage claims are pretty astonishing: anywhere from 40 to 100 mpg. And with the relatively low cost of these vehicles, the savings are even greater.

But how safe are these trendy two-wheelers? Not very. In fact, in the past 10 years, fatalities have increased 127%. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , a motorcyclist is 34 times more likely to die in an automobile crash than someone in a regular car. 34 times! That’s a pretty big risk just to save a few bucks in gas.

It makes sense that motorcycles are more dangerous given the relative size and weight of these vehicles compared to traditional cars and trucks. And with the growing number of SUVs and other oversized vehicles on the road, the size ratio is increasingly unfavorable for motorcyclists. Many motorcycle accidents are avoidable, though, simply be wearing a helmet. Not wearing a helmet might not be against the law in Illinois , but it is against good old common sense. Many Injury Board members have been writing about the importance of bike safety , particularly the importance of helmets .

Don’t think it looks cool? Well, it’s a lot cooler than sustaining preventable injuries while riding. To give you an idea of the difference wearing a helmet makes, let’s take a look at Florida , a state that used to require helmets when riding. According to Consumer Reports, “ During the 30 months after Florida repealed its helmet law in 2002, there were 40 percent more hospitalizations and a 24 percent increase in deaths compared to the 30 months before the law was changed.” That’s a pretty big difference.

So, we’re left with this question: is making the shift to two wheels worth it? Well, that’s up to you. And it has a lot to do with your personal circumstances and commitment to being a safe driver. Consumer Reports intends to develop increased testing of motorcycles, and has this blog where you can discuss the triumphs and tribulations of buying and riding motorcycles with both novice and veteran riders. If you ultimately do decide two wheels are better than four, do yourself a favor and ride off into the sunset wearing a helmet.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Nick Avgerinos

Brain Injury Awareness Month

Chrissie Cole — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:27:17 GMT

Each year approximately 300,000 people suffer from some type of head or brain injury. In many cases, they require months, sometimes years of intense therapy.

The state of Illinois is helping veterans who suffer with brain injuries. The program is called the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program.

Nearly ten to twenty percent of redeploying military personnel display symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to the Army Surgeon General.

TBI displays various symptoms from mild to severe and can include: headaches, confusion, dizziness, ringing ears, sleep disturbances, mood changes, memory problems, behavior changes, short attention span and more.

Severe TBI symptoms include: periods of unconsciousness, seizures, coma and physical impairments.

The Illinois initiative is the first of its kind in the United States. The Army does not routinely screen for Traumatic Brain Injury. The Illinois Warrior Assistance Program offers TBI screening to military veterans and National Guard.

The Warrior Assistance Program offers TBI screening, and a 24 hour toll-free confidential, psychological helpline staffed by health professions to assist veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The helpline number is 1-866-554-IWAP (4927).

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Rockford & Moline Personal Injury Lawyers - Head

Creative Commuters: Many Turn to Scooters and Motorcycles to Ease Pain at the Pump

Brain Injury Awareness Month