Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 23, 2016
“Share the Road” Safety Campaign Urges Drivers and Motorcyclists to Stay Safe
Drivers and motorcyclists in Clarksville who frequently cross state lines should pay close attention when driving in the Bluegrass State, as the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is launching a “Share the Road with Motorcycles” safety campaign to reduce the number of crashes in the state and help save lives.
According to a report by Clarksville Now and statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in roadway crashes than the occupants of cars. They’re also five times more likely to suffer injuries during accidents.
The executive director of the KOHS says that roadway safety is the mutual responsibility of drivers and motorcyclists. He also says that drivers should be on the lookout for motorcyclists due to them being more difficult to see than standard vehicles.
As part of the safety campaign, the KOHS says that motorcyclists can help protect their own safety by following a few important tips:
3 “Hidden” Dangers that Motorcyclists Face on a Daily Basis
Even when drivers commit to being more aware of the presence of motorcyclists, riders still face numerous risks and dangers every time they head out on the roadway. Unlike the drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs, motorcyclists have to stay focused on keeping their stability and balance at all times—and that means even the smallest disruption to their riding can put them at high risk of losing control of their bikes and falling off onto the pavement or crashing into other vehicles.
Some of the most prominent dangers that motorcyclists face that many people aren’t aware of include the following:
Drivers rear-ending other vehicles at intersections due to distractions is a common scenario, but it can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists due to their lack of protection. Drivers who are texting, talking on their phones, or reaching for something in their vehicles may not see stopped motorcyclists due to their low profile until it’s too late—and that means they may not reduce their speed in time to avoid hitting them.
Because of their small size and vastly different profile from cars, trucks, and SUVs, motorcycles often end up in drivers’ blind spots. When drivers need to change lanes, they may check their mirrors for other passenger vehicles and never see motorcyclists in adjacent lanes. When they begin to shift lanes, drivers are at risk of either striking the motorcyclists or forcing them off the roadway.
Passenger vehicles can drive over the vast majority of minor road hazards and defects without sustaining damage or becoming difficult to control, but motorcyclists face serious risks when they drive over the same areas. All it takes is an area of broken pavement, a slick surface, or a slight dip in the ground for motorcyclists to lose control of their bikes and collide with other vehicles or get thrown into the roadway.
When motorcyclists are struck by vehicles or are thrown from their bikes, the injuries they suffer are often devastating. Whether they suffer broken bones, road rash, or head, neck, and spinal damage, their injuries may put them out of work for long periods of time, making it difficult for them to provide for their families and pay for their medical bills.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys know the challenges that motorcyclists face after serious accidents. We believe that innocent victims who are injured through no fault of their own should never have to pay for their own accident-related expenses, and that’s why we do everything in our power to build strong claims that get results.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation. To find out how we can assist your family during this difficult time, dial (931) 274-7788 or complete a free online consultation form.
