In Pursuit Of Motorcycle Safety
As 28-year-old Jake Garrett took his Kawasaki down the road in Lexington Park one late afternoon, he certainly didn’t anticipate that an Explorer would start to negotiate a U-turn right in front of him, leading to a collision that resulted in his death. It was just one of many horrendous motorcycle accidents here in Maryland in recent times. In fact, over 70 motorcycle fatalities occur in the state every year, on top of roughly 1,000 serious injuries.
Mitigating the Risk
In the event of a collision, motorcyclists are at a distinct disadvantage, in that they are not surrounded by the reinforced steel that protects drivers in cars, trucks, and SUV’s. That makes preventing motorcycle crashes a huge imperative! Consider has these tips for riders:
- Do not get on a motorcycle without a helmet.
- Be trained and endorsed on your motorcycle.
- Don’t get on a motorcycle after consuming alcohol.
- Do what’s necessary to increase your visibility, from riding with headlights on at all times to wearing bright or reflective clothing;
- Always signal prior to changing lanes or making turns.
- Provide plenty of distance from other drivers.
- Adhere to all driving laws and posted speed limits.
- Avoid aggressive driving and be in control at all times.
- Ensure that the bike is the right size for you and that it is in good working condition.
Motorists can Improve Safety for Motorcyclists
There are a number of things that every driver can do to keep the roads a little safer for people on motorcycles:
- Drive alert, focused, and sober.
- Recognize that motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles on the road, so double check your blind spot before making a lane change.
- Never tailgate, especially behind motorcycles.
- Be particularly cautious prior to changing lanes, going through an intersection, or pulling out of a driveway.
- Use your turn signal long before executing a turn or lane change.
- Be alert for mechanical failures.
After a Serious Accident
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or death due to a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to damages to address your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and more. To discuss, contact the experienced and aggressive Baltimore motorcycle accident attorneys at The Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes today.
Source:
thebaynet.com/28-year-old-motorcyclist-killed-in-motor-vehicle-collision-in-lexinton-park/
