The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has dedicated May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, encouraging motorists and motorcyclists to share the road with each other.
The number of motorcyclists killed in accidents continues to rise every year. With distracted driving also on the rise, it is no surprise that serious injury or deaths in accidents involving motorcycles has more than doubled in the last 10 years.
Many times an accident involving a motorcycle occurs when the other motorist does not see the motorcyclist. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, making them more difficult to see, whether driving a motorcycle or in the lane next to one.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a list of the most common situations when motorcycle accidents occur. The list includes automobiles making left-hand turns in front of a motorcycle in an intersection, presence of a motorcycle in a car’s blind spot, and hazardous road or weather conditions. It is important that automobile drivers and motorcyclists alike remain aware of the fact that they do share the road with each other.
Driving aware for automobile drivers means looking out for motorcycles and anticipating and responding to the motorcyclist’s maneuvers in the lane due to road conditions or weather. A driver should also always signal their intention to turn and use extreme caution when making left turns at intersections.
Motorcycles should be given the same space and equal rights to the roads as other motorists. Automobile drivers should respect motorcycle drivers by giving them a full lane and allowing plenty of space when following a motorcycle.
While many of the guidelines are aimed at drivers of cars, there are also safety concerns that should be observed by motorcyclists. It is not uncommon to see motorcycles speeding down the highway, weaving in and out of traffic. Motorcyclists are required to observe the same traffic laws as other drivers, and should drive with caution, keeping in mind that other motorists do not easily see their motorcycle’s profile.
If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, contact The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare and ask to speak with Tim O’Hare, the Dallas personal injury attorney who has been riding motorcycles for most of his adult life. Currently, Mr. O’Hare rides a 2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Hiring a lawyer who also rides to handle your motorcycle case is the right choice. Call us today at 972-960-0000, or toll-free at 1-888-960-0020.
