The thrill of the open road. The views of the river, the mountains, of Hyde Park’s historic mansions, and the landscapes that inspired an entire school of art called the Hudson River School. The wind behind you. The joy of motorcycling is unrivaled, and that’s why so many Dutchess County residents are drawn to it, despite the risks.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled than those traveling in a car. Some of the most common injuries that result from motorcycle crashes include head trauma (like brain injuries), fractures, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and road rash. Helmets and protective gear can reduce risks, but motorcyclists are still at great danger if there’s a crash.
We took a look at New York’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research’s Dutchess County motorcycle crash statistics to explore these dynamics further. In 2023, 68 people were injured or killed in Dutchess County motorcycle crashes. 63 of the victims were the motorcycle operators, and four were not the driver (i.e. in other vehicles), and one was a motorcycle passenger.
60 out of 65 crash victims were male, and a majority were between the ages of 21 and 39. 86% of motorcyclists involved in these accidents were confirmed to be wearing a helmet.
If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle crash in Dutchess County, here are our top six things to do in order to receive the maximum possible compensation for your losses from the insurance companies:
- Document the conditions of the scene
- Seek medical care as soon as possible
- Don’t post about the crash on social media; anything you post can be used against you
- Don’t speak to the OTHER insurance company (if applicable)
- Set up a claim with YOUR insurance company
- Call Mainetti & Mainetti, P.C. at 845-600-0000 to set up a free personal injury consultation
Below is a breakdown of where Dutchess County personal injury motorcycle crashes occurred in 2023:
1. Town of Poughkeepsie
13 Personal Injury Crashes
2 Fatal Crashes
2. Town of Fishkill
7 Personal Injury Crashes
3. Town of Wappinger
7 Personal Injury Crashes
4. City of Poughkeepsie
3 Personal Injury Crashes
5. Town of Clinton
3 Personal Injury Crashes
6. Town of East Fishkill
3 Personal Injury Crashes
7. Town of Pawling
3 Personal Injury Crashes
8. Town of Washington
3 Personal Injury Crashes
9. Town of Dover
2 Personal Injury Crashes
1 Fatal Crash
10. Town of Hyde Park
1 Personal Injury Crash
1 Fatal Crash
Fatal crashes also occurred in the towns of Amenia and Stanford.