Decrease Motorcycle Accidents By Increasing Awareness

Drivers should always be aware of other vehicles, noting if there are any motorcycles in the area.

When the snow starts to melt and springtime comes around, we see more and more motorcyclists out on the road. This means that everyone needs to be more careful and more aware in order to protect themselves and other drivers. Winter driving can be hazardous and while we may be far more attuned to road conditions like snow or ice, with spring weather comes other conditions that we must also be aware of and this should be reflected in the way we drive. After the winter months where we see fewer motorcyclists on the road, spring can be especially dangerous because other drivers are unused to encountering motorcyclists and eyes are less attuned to spotting them. It is always important to keep an eye out for motorcyclists because they are far more vulnerable than drivers in cars or other more protected vehicles.

Motorcycles only make up around 3 percent of vehicles on the road, yet fatalities involving motorcycles account for around 11 percent of highway fatalities annually. Additionally, it is important to note that only 20 percent of auto accidents result in either injury or death, but that 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. It is far more dangerous to be on a motorcycle on the road, and this is especially true when other drivers are not being observant.

Drivers should protect themselves and others against accidents by following these safe driving tips. In order to protect against accidents, drivers should always be aware of other vehicles, noting if there are any motorcycles in the area.

• Check and double check blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
• Scan the surrounding traffic to see if there are any motorcycles nearby.
• Always double check traffic at intersections to make sure you are aware of surrounding vehicles before turning or pulling out.
• Motorcycles and motorcyclists are more difficult to spot in traffic than other vehicles. It is important to realize this and make an effort to spot helmets, motorcycle tires, or even shadows.
• When following a motorcycle, allow a three second driving space between you and the motorcycle.
• Be careful when turning left. The majority of accidents involving cars colliding with motorcycles happen when someone is turning left at an intersection.
• Understand that the size of motorcycles makes it more difficult to judge their speed and the distance between your vehicle and the motorcycle.

Everyone needs to increase awareness on the roads, motorcyclist and drivers of other vehicles alike. Being aware of other drivers and road conditions and making a concerted effort to stay alert goes a long way in preventing accidents.

St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or another driver has been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can help to investigate, document the accident and any injuries that occur, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you to get back on track. Preventing accidents is always important. But accidents can occur at any time, so it is also important to have a plan and stay calm.

Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible if you have been in an accident and have sustained injuries. You want to know that there is someone on your side, advocating for you, and that he or she has your best interests in mind.

photo credit: tonylanciabeta