Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

Spring seems to have arrived with warmer temps on the weather forecast. This definitely means that an increased number of motorcycles will be on the roadway, enjoying the chance to get back on their bikes.

The Charles E. Boyk Law Office wants to remind motorists that they must share the roadway with motorcyclists and be aware that they are on the roads. Many accidents are caused simply because motorists do not see motorcycles, causing serious and sometimes fatal accidents on the road.

In 2012 alone, there were nearly 5,000 motorcyclist fatalities, amounting to 15-percent of the total fatalities for the year. This number of fatalities has been increasing throughout the past 15 years. The number of crash-related motorcycle injuries was 93,000 in 2012, making this a very serious injury.

There is a way to prevent these injuries. Motorists have to be fully aware of motorcyclists on the roadway and they should not be driving distracted, as that is a major cause of accidents. Some of the tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are listed below that help to promote motorcycle safety awareness and prevent future motorcycle accidents:

• Road users should never, bike, or walk while distracted. Doing so can result in tragic consequences for everyone on the road, including motorcyclists.
• A motorcyclist has the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as any other motorist on the roadway.
• Allow a motorcyclist a full lane width. Though it may seem as if there is enough room in a single lane for a motor vehicle and a motorcycle, looks can be deceiving. Do not share the lane: a motorcyclist needs room to maneuver safely.
• Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be difficult to see. Their size can also cause other drivers to misjudge their speed and distance.
• Size also counts against motorcycles when it comes to blind spots. Motorcyclists can be easily hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot.

  Always look for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots before switching to another lane of traffic.

• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows motorcyclists to anticipate your movement and find a safe lane position.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle—it may not be self-canceling and the motorcyclist may have forgotten to turn it off. Wait to be sure the rider is going to turn before you proceed.
• Allow more distance – three or four seconds – when following a motorcycle; this gives the motorcycle rider more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Motorcycle riders may suddenly need to change speed or adjust lane position to avoid hazards such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.

Motorcycle Accidents in Ohio

The motorcycle accident lawyers at our office hope that readers take the above tips when on the roadways. We also urge people to share this information with others as our goal is to spread awareness and make the roads safer for all by preventing accidents.

If anyone has been involved in a motorcycle accident due to another motorist’s negligence on the roadway or distracted driving, we recommend that they contact a personal injury attorney to help them file a claim. If you are injured or suffer damages in an accident that was caused by another individual, you have the opportunity to pursue compensation. Call our office at 800.637.8170 for more information and to speak directly to a lawyer regarding the legal options that you have.

Request a free copy of our law office’s go-to guide for motorcycle accident victims – The Ohio Motorcycle Accident Book. This book gives individuals an easy-to-understand resource that will help them throughout the legal process. Request a copy when calling into our office, or order one online.