Motorcycles Are Everywhere

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Motorcycle Accident

Summer is in full swing and that means more motorcycles on Illinois roadways. Many motorcyclist enthusiasts say it is the feeling of the open road all around them that attracts them to the activity, but it is that openness that also leaves motorcycle riders vulnerable to serious injury or death in the event of a motorcycle crash.

Unlike other motor vehicles, which offer protection to the occupants who are inside, when a motorcycle is involved in a crash, the people on the bike are often thrown off. Even more dangerous, is that once the victims have landed on the ground, there is the additional risk of the motorcycle landing on top of them. According to national statistics, victims of motorcycles crashes are almost 30 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than occupants involved in other types of motor vehicle crashes.

One of the key ways to decrease the number of motorcycle accidents is for both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers to be cognizant of each other and mindful that they are sharing the road.

If you love to ride motorcycles, then there are some steps you should take in order to help decrease the chance that you will be involved in a motorcycle crash. These steps include:

• Stick to the speed limit. Unfortunately, although this is under every motorcycle driver’s control, speeding is the number one cause of motorcycle crashes and accident deaths. If you drive into an area where the weather is bad or traffic is extremely heavy, then slow down even more;
• Watch out for other vehicle blind spots. Every vehicle has blind spots which make it difficult for the driver to see objects near them. One common cause of motorcycle accidents is that the other driver did not see the bike because the motorcyclists stayed in the driver’s blind spot. Stay aware of that when you are around other vehicles; and
• Drive cautiously on sharp turns and curves. These can be dangerous areas, especially for new or inexperienced drivers. Make sure to take these curves at a slow rate of speed and avoid crossing into other lanes.

Many people think motorcycle accidents are caused by risk-taking motorcycle drivers, when in fact the majority of crashes are the fault of other motor vehicle drivers. There are also steps they can take to ensure they avoid crashing into a motorcycle. These include:

• Never tailgate a motorcycle. When you are tailgating a motorcycle and they have to stop suddenly and you rear end them, the result can be fatal;
• Keep to the speed limit. We see what can happen if you hit another motor vehicle when you are speeding. When you hit a motorcycle, the results can be even more catastrophic; and
• One of the most common types of motorcycle accident is when a vehicle driver takes a left-hand turn when there is a motorcycle coming the other way. Most drivers who are trying to take that quick turn are watching for vehicles, and not motorcycles. Remember, no matter where you are driving, motorcycles are everywhere.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact a seasoned Orland Park motorcycle accident attorney to see what legal options you may have against the driver who hit you. Call Attorney Issa Law, LLC at 708-966-2408 for a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.iii.org/issue-update/motorcycle-crashes