Intersection Motorcycle Accident Safety Precautions
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcycle accidents at intersections account for a high number of collision injuries and fatalities to riders. When this happens, an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can defend your rights and help obtain the compensation you need.
Intersection Accidents and Motorcyclists
Other motorists are frequently at fault for collisions with motorcycles at intersections. Other factors may also influence the safety of a motorcyclist when going through an intersection. Some common problems that impact a motorcycle rider’s safety are:
- The driver of the motor vehicle is driving drunk or under the influence of drugs.
- Those who drive larger, taller vehicles have obscured vision, and do not see the motorcyclist going through the intersection.
- The motorist is driving distracted by talking on a cell phone, texting, eating, accessing GPS or other behaviors that take the driver’s eyes off the road.
- The driver makes a sudden stop near the intersection without noticing a motorcycle behind the vehicle, causing a rear-end accident.
- The driver is turning left and does not yield to the motorcyclist who has the right of way.
- Weather conditions such as rain, sleet or snow make visibility poor.
- The motor vehicle driver is speeding, lessening his or her ability to stop and see the oncoming motorcyclist.
- Vehicles sharing the same road are obstructing the driver’s view.
- Overgrown trees and shrubs obstruct the driver’s view.
- The driver either runs a red light or stop sign or rushes through a signal that has turned yellow.
Motorcycle Crashes at Intersections Are Common
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, intersection accidents account for about 33 percent of all motorcyclist fatalities, and 55 percent occurred in urban areas. In total crashes, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported almost 5,000 motorcyclist fatalities in 2016.
Using Safety Precautions When Nearing an Intersection
One way to lower the rate of serious injuries and death rate for motorcyclists at intersections is through safety measures taken by the rider. Some of these include:
- Take a safety course that teaches evasive maneuvers.
- Use a bike that is equipped with antilock brakes. It has been confirmed that antilock brakes lower the risk of an accident by 31 percent by shortening the stopping distance.
- Never ride between vehicles at an intersection because it is more difficult for motorists to spot the bike.
- Wear brightly colored clothing, and ride a motorcycle that isn’t black.
- Always wear an approved safety helmet, and replace the helmet every few years or if it was worn when an accident occurred.
- Slow down when trees, shrubbery, buildings or vehicles obscure a clear view.
- Watch for vehicles that pull out quickly.
- Not all vehicles signal when turning. The direction of the tires can give a clue that the car may be making a turn.
- Stay out of a vehicle’s blind spots because the driver may not realize the motorcycle is there, and change lanes or make other dangerous moves.
- Let other vehicles reach the intersection first because they are more visible.
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Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer. Motorcycle intersection accidents cause high numbers of fatalities and injuries to riders each year. If you or your loved one was injured or you lost a family member in a motorcycle accident, you can call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
I’ve helped many local residents and others in Northern California for 36 years. I’m highly experienced in handling all types of auto accidents, and cases involving wrongful death and personal injury.
As a Million Dollar Forum member, I’ve joined a group of attorneys who have won verdicts and settlements for clients over $1 million. You can read about my prior Verdicts and Settlements.
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