Riders Protecting Riders - Accident Risk During Laconia Bike Week

Laconia Bike Week runs this year from June 14 to June 21, and many motorcyclists will be pouring into the Granite State for the festivities.  While recent statistics show that the number of arrests and crash-related injuries or fatalities have gone down in recent years during bike week, the rise in motorcycle traffic and possible risk of injury should still make you cautious about traveling on certain highways in mid-June.

The Union Leader reports[1] that motorcycle accidents always spike during Laconia Bike Week.  This fact should come as no surprise.  Perhaps more alarming is that the majority of crashes take place in the middle of the afternoon, between 2pm and 5pm.  It is wrong to assume that drug and alcohol are behind these incidents.  In fact, state police statistics indicate that over 50% of bike accidents are due to operator error, while only 2.6% were caused by intoxicated riders, and 5% the result of speeding.

“Over the past three years, there were an average of 34 crashes on Wednesday, 26 on Thursday, 41 on Friday and 54 on Saturday during bike week. [State Police Col. Robert L.] Quinn expects that pattern to continue this year.
From 2002 through 2011, there were 899 motorcycle crashes, 859 injuries and 28 fatalities during bike week, according to the UNH data analysis. Ten years ago, there were nearly 200 crashes in the month of June, but over the past three years that's dropped to about 160, according to the analysis.”[2]

The State police will be stepping up patrols this year and placing more warning signs on highways to beware of motorcycle traffic, but officials also want you to know which routes to avoid:  Routes 3, 25, 11, 104, 106, Scenic Drive and Roller Coaster Road, both in Laconia, and Winona Road in Ashland and New Hampton have consistently proven to be the most hazardous roads to travel in mid-June.

So if you are intending to participate in bike week, ride carefully, and follow the proper safety protocols, always taking care that other motorists can see you.  No matter how safe you ride, you cannot defend against all careless car or truck drivers. Other motorists should always watch for riders.

[1] Grossmith, Pat. Union Leader (6/10/2013). “Sober Bike Week Stats: Most Accidents Occur in the Afternoon”

[2] Grossmith, Pat. Ibidem.

Articles contained here are not intended to provide legal advice, only providing general information. We encourage individuals to consult with an attorney regarding individual circumstances.