Four friends took to the open road on their motorcycles in Madison County, never imagining the tragedy that was to ensue. As the bikers headed east along Highway 463, a pickup truck traveling west careened out of its lane, killing two of the motorcyclists and injuring two others.
The July 2018 accident exemplifies just how important it is for drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road, and how grave the consequences can be for motorcyclists when collisions occur. As a motorcyclist, it is critical to take every possible step to be safe and visible on the road. In the event an accident does occur, a local personal injury attorney can help.
Statistics Don’t Lie
Without doubt, motorcyclists are at much greater risk than other vehicles in this country. In fact, the death rate for motorcyclists is 28 times higher than for other vehicles, with nearly 5,000 bikers killed in 2017 alone somewhere in the United States.
Take Steps to Increase Safety
What can motorcyclists do to increase their chances on the open road? A look at crash data gives us a few clues as to how to improve their odds:
- Stay sober: A quarter of fatal motorcycle accidents involved bikers whose blood alcohol content (BAC) was above legal limits;
- Avoid distractions: More than one in five motorcycle accidents involve collisions with fixed objects. This indicates that driver distractions played a factor in the crashes;
- Wear a helmet: In the year 2016, an estimated 800 motorcyclists could have survived crashes if only they’d taken this important precaution;
- Dress appropriately: Protective clothing like leather or heavy denim will be helpful should the bike skid; boots will provide some level of protection for ankles and feet in the event of an accident;
- Know how to handle your bike: More than 25 percent of motorcycle fatalities in 2016 involved drivers who were not licensed, despite the many training courses and licensing opportunities available;
- Don’t exceed posted speed limits: Riders who were speeding accounted for fully a third of all motorcycle fatalities in 2016;
- Make sure your bike is in good working condition: Headlights, fluids, brakes, signals, and tire tread should all be addressed in regular inspections;
- Increase visibility: Avoid traveling in blind spots, keep headlights on even in daylight, and wear bright or reflective patches on your clothing.
Following an Accident
Bikers are exposed to much greater risks on the road than other motorists, simply because they have fewer protective barriers in the event of a collision. If you or a loved one is involved in a crash due to the recklessness or negligence of another driver, you need the heavy-hitting team at Derek L. Hall, PC on your side. Contact our Jackson office today for a free, confidential consultation.
Resource:
- wlbt.com/story/38758403/2-dead-2-injured-in-motorcycle-accident-in-madison
