Spring Brings Increased Safety Concerns for Motorcyclists
After a cold winter, the long-awaited motorcycle season is quickly approaching. Many excited riders are already enjoying the breeze on their bikes without worrying about the biting chill of winter. However, personal injury and automobile accident experts realize this also means an increase in motorcycle accidents. Auto and personal injury accident experts are working to keep motorcyclists and drivers informed about the dangers that the spring season can bring. Preventative measures on our roadways can help keep riders safe and drivers aware.
Follow the Posted Speed Limit for Motorcycle Safety
Motorcyclists are at an inherent disadvantage on the road. According to research by Injury Facts, motorcycles make up only 3% of registered vehicles yet they account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Speed is a major cause for concern for motorcyclists. Driving above the posted speed limit for both automobiles and motorcyclists was determined to be a contributing factor in about 30% of motorcycle accident deaths. Trends suggest that these statistics will not be decreasing anytime soon. In fact, motorcyclist injuries and fatalities have risen an estimated 110% over the course of the last decade.
Season Road Risks for Motorcyclists
Just as winter leads to more accidents due to snow and black ice, statistics suggest that spring is the most dangerous season for motorcycle riders. After winter, many drivers aren’t yet aware of motorcyclist on the roadways and neglect to see them. According to research from the National Safety Council, it’s no surprise that a whopping 73% of motorcycle accidents occur from April through September. This is likely the result of more motorcycle riders and cars on the roads. When combined with other year-round contributing factors to motorcycle accidents such as weaving in and out of traffic and driving while intoxicated, it’s no wonder we see more motorcycle accidents during the spring and summer months.
Safety First to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
How can you protect yourself when riding your motorcycle this spring? Personal injury attorneys deal with motorcycle accidents every year, stressing that road safety is a “two-way street”. Both motorcyclists and automobile operators are responsible for being aware of their surroundings and being courteous to other drivers. Wearing a helmet will drastically reduce the severity of personal injury should an accident occur. Always wear a helmet, even for short trips. Motorcyclists, in particular, should be aware of their speed. Furthermore, no one should ever operate a motor vehicle if they have been drinking, regardless of what they are driving. Let this serve as a reminder for drivers to be on the lookout for motorcyclists this Spring before an accident occurs. It can potentially save a life!
Tips for Motorcyclists:
- Defensive Riding: Riders can be aware even when drivers are not.
- Safe Zones: Avoid riding in blind spots and weaving in and out of traffic.
- Increase Visibility: Drive with your headlights on, even during the day.
- Intersection Safety: Motorcycles are much smaller and may appear farther away. Reduce your speed and use the center lane on multi-lane roads when approaching an intersection.
Have You Been Injured? Our Personal Injury & Auto Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help!
Our personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation to determine the extent of these damages and create a game plan to settle your case. An experienced attorney is familiar with the sneaky tactics insurance companies use to undervalue potential claims. That’s why it is important to consult with an accident attorney before accepting their settlement.
If you or a loved one has been in an auto accident or hit by a wrong-way driver, contact Fielding Law Group today. Our team of experienced auto accident and personal injury attorneys can help you recover and receive the compensation you deserve. Remember–don’t let an accident wreck YOU! Contact us today.
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