by Dallas Christian Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare
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Nearly all motorcycle riders involved in accidents are injured — at least half of those are seriously injured. Each year, more than 5,000 people die in motorcycle accidents, and that number has been on the rise in recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and as the weather warms up and we see more motorcyclists on the roads, it’s the perfect time for all drivers to review safety tips to help keep Texas roads safe. Any time you are operating a vehicle on the road — motorcycle, car or truck — you are responsible to do your part to keep all motorists safe, including motorcyclists.
Not all motorcycle accidents are preventable, but many of them are. Share the road with motorcyclists and other motorists and take precautions to avoid an accident that could be prevented. Here are some motorcycle safety tips for all drivers from a 4-time winner of D Magazine’s best personal injury lawyers in Dallas:
Check twice for traffic when changing lanes or turning at intersections. The profile of a motorcycle is much smaller than that of a car or truck. A motorcycle’s small size not only makes it more easily hidden from the sight of other drivers, but it can also make it appear further away than it is. The smaller size of motorcycles can also make it difficult for other motorists to judge how fast a motorcycle is traveling.
Don’t follow motorcyclists at close distances. Some motorcyclists slow their speed by downshifting rather than breaking. Motorists should allow at least three to four seconds following distance, and predict when a motorcyclist in front of them may slow down. When roads are wet, motorcycles can have a difficult time stopping quickly and should be allowed more space from other motorists.
Be aware that a motorcyclist may often change positions in a lane. Motorcycles do not respond to road hazards, such as debris and potholes, as well as other vehicles do. Because of this, a motorcyclist might often be seen changing his or her position within a lane, to avoid potential hazards. Motorcyclists may also change positions in a lane to be seen more easily by other drivers.
If you drive a motorcycle, remember these important motorcycle safety tips:
- Get proper training before you ride. Enroll in a class that will train you on how to safely and properly operate a motorcycle.
- Keep yourself visible. Wear a reflective helmet and clothing to increase your visibility at night. Always signal before changing lanes or turning.
- Use extra caution when road conditions are unfavorable, such as during bad weather, on undivided highways, or poorly maintained roads.
In order to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents that occur each year in the U.S., all drivers must commit to being aware of their surroundings and to share the road with motorcyclists.
If you have been seriously injured or lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, contact the experienced Dallas – Ft. Worth personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. Tim O’Hare is a motorcyclist and has had his motorcycle license for many years.
Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation
972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020
