Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Tennessee Accident Law on November 29, 2016
Investigators Say Alcohol and Weather May Have Caused Motorcycle Crash
Investigators with the Kentucky State Police say that a two-vehicle accident that involved a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle may have been caused due to a combination of alcohol and slick roads.
Per a report by Clarksville Now, the rash occurred Wednesday night on Interstate 24 in Oak Grove, Kentucky, near the Tennessee-Kentucky state line. An investigation by law enforcement revealed that the motorcyclist—a 24-year-old man from Oak Grove—was traveling west on I-24 near mile marker 91.
Police say that he failed to slow for stopped traffic that was in front of his motorcycle, causing him to crash into a 2006 Dodge that was also traveling westbound.
The impact of the collision caused the motorcyclist to be ejected from his bike. He was transported to Tennova Hospital in Clarksville to receive treatment for his injuries. The driver of the Dodge and her passenger weren’t injured during the accident.
The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and both occupants of the passenger vehicle were wearing their seat belts.
How Can Weather Create or Increase Accident Risks?
Avoiding accidents requires safe driving, and that means always following the rules of the road, never driving while impaired or intoxicated, and avoiding distractions. However, even the safest and most attentive drivers can still sometimes get injured in accidents that were caused by things that were out of their control. One of the most common uncontrollable factors is bad weather.
Bad weather can dramatically increase the risks of car accidents in a variety of ways, such as:
Safe driving is all about being able to see what’s going around you clearly. Drivers must be able to quickly identify and track the movements of other vehicles while also preparing to navigate changes in the roadway, such as turns, curves, and dips. Heavy rain, fog, and snow can all decrease visibility, making it harder for drivers to see the roadway and potential obstacles in their paths.
Whether a vehicle is slowing, stopping, or turning, the tread and traction on its tires is one of the biggest factors in keeping the vehicle easily controllable for the driver. Heavy rainfall, snow, and ice can all significantly decrease traction for even all-weather and all-terrain tires. Drivers should reduce their speed when driving during these conditions, but excessive water and ice accumulation can cause hydroplaning and loss of control even at low speeds.
High winds can pose numerous threats to drivers. In addition to putting drivers and passengers at risk of being struck by flying objects, high winds can also make vehicles harder to control. When winds reach hurricane speeds, they can even cause vehicles to rock back and forth and even flip onto their sides or roofs. High winds can also cause trees, tree limbs, and power lines to fall, blocking roads and putting drivers in danger.
Weather doesn’t always cause immediate risks and dangers for drivers. Things like frequent rainfall can cause roadways to gradually erode and even collapse over time, resulting in dangerous drop-offs and asphalt loss on curves. Frequent freezing temperatures and ice accumulation inside asphalt can cause potholes to form, which are dangerous for vehicles and known for causing tire and wheel damage. In extreme cases, they can even total vehicles by causing massive front-end damage.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Clarksville motorcycle accident attorneys says that all drivers should be as cautious as possible when driving in inclement weather. However, motorcyclists are among the most at risk. In addition to having little to no protection—especially compared to vehicle occupants—motorcyclists are also the most likely to be involved in accidents due to inclement weather and poor road conditions.
If you or someone you know was involved in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a negligent driver, our legal team wants to speak with you today. We have two decades of experience assisting injured victims like you, and we know how to build claims that get results. Contact us by dialing (931) 274-7788 or filling out a free online consultation form.
