As Summer Begins, Remember Motorcycle Safety
In early May, a motorcyclist was traveling on State Highway 130 at a high rate of speed when he collided with another vehicle in slower traffic. Traffic up ahead had slowed drastically due to a vehicle fire. The motorcyclist was unable to stop his motorcycle and struck the rear of another vehicle, which caused him to be thrown into a second vehicle. The crash occurred around 7 p.m. and the rider was pronounced dead approximately an hour later. This accident is a tragic reminder of the motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities that occur each summer. As we head into another warm season, motorcycle riders and drivers need to remember how to keep each other safe and avoid collisions.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders
There are a few steps motorcyclists can take to avoid a crash with other riders or vehicles, including:
- Avoid speeding. While the feel of the wind can entice riders to go faster, speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents and fatalities. Riders should stick to the speed limit at all times and slow down during heavy traffic or poor weather.
- Be careful on curves. Wide and sharp turns can give motorcyclists trouble. Riders should practice taking curving roads at a slow speed and without having to swing into the oncoming lane. Younger or inexperienced riders should practice with a more experienced rider to be better able to avoid turning wide or too fast.
- Avoid driver’s blind spots. Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers do not see a rider in their blind spots. Motorcyclists should be well aware of car’s and truck’s blind areas and avoid riding in them.
- Never drink and drive. During the summer, it can be tempting to have a few drinks with friends before going for a ride or to stop and have drinks along the route on a longer ride. However, drinking alcohol hinders a rider’s ability to drive safely and increases the chance of a collision.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Vehicle Drivers
Vehicle drivers are often the cause of motorcycle accidents – not the riders. Motorists can do a lot to reduce these kinds of accidents, including:
- Avoid speeding. No matter who is going too fast on the road, it creates problems. Stick to the speed limit.
- Do not tail motorcycles. It is easy to end up following other vehicles and motorcycles too closely. However, if a rider has to stop quickly and a vehicle rear ends them, this could be catastrophic. A fender bender in a vehicle could be minor yet deadly with a motorcycle.
- Check twice before turning left. Drivers hitting riders when they turn left is all too common because motorists are looking for oncoming cars, not motorcycles. Drivers can cut down on accidents by specifically looking out for motorcycles when they drive.
Contact a New Braunfels Personal Injury Lawyer for Help
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced New Braunfels personal injury lawyers of The Bettersworth Law Firm today. We are eager to assist you with your case.
Source:
http://kxan.com/2017/05/04/motorcyclist-killed-in-major-crash-on-sh-130-in-georgetown/
