New Rider Alert Program Helps Virginia Motorcyclists Involved in Accidents | Richmond VA Motorcycle crash lawyer
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2009 there were a total of 2,115 motorcycle crashes in the whole state. Of those crashes, 1,938 resulted in injuries.
With May being Motorcycle Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to launch a new program to help motorcycle riders and drivers in case of an accident.
The Goochland Gazette reported that the Rider Alert program began last month, which was created by the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) and Bon Secours Virginia Health System, in partnership with Motorcycle Virginia, Inc.
The program consists of a Rider Alert Card that is inserted a motorcyclist’s helmet along with a decal on the outside that reads, “DO NOT REMOVE HELMET.” This warns bystanders not to take off the cyclist’s helmet in the event of an accident. It also alerts people that the cyclist’s critical information such as medical information and emergency contact information can be found inside the helmet.
The idea for the Rider Alert program actually came from the United Kingdom where it’s called the CRASH Card program. 325,000 CRASH Cards have been given to cyclists in Europe. In Virginia about 15,000 cards have already been distributed to riders since the program began. The cards are available via the Rider Alert website at: www.RiderAlert.org.
If you are a motorcycle rider and have been involved in an accident with another driver, it’s important to consult with a Richmond, VA motorcycle crash lawyer who can help make sure your legal rights are protected.