Motorcyclists live for the rush of taking to the open road on their bikes. \However, there are inherent dangers with riding. It is especially problematic in the summer months. Riders must think about how to remain safe. When there is an accident, the injuries can be severe, and they must consider their options in the aftermath.
Recent crash highlights dangers motorcyclists face
A North Carolina motorcyclist was killed after colliding with a fire truck. Law enforcement reports that the fire truck was heading for a call and had its lights and sirens activated when the rider crashed into the truck while both were in an intersection. The 46-year-old rider was thrown and died.
While this is an unfortunate set of circumstances, it exemplifies the potential dangers riders are confronted with when they take to the state roads. Being thrown from the bike and skidding are just two potentially catastrophic outcomes that can happen to a rider. Since they are so vulnerable and are often only protected by a helmet and riding gear, they can suffer broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord damage, lost limbs, road rash, and more. In a worst-case scenario, they can lose their lives.
Motorcycle safety involves preparedness
North Carolina has a program called Vision Zero that encourages drivers and riders to share the road and for riders to take safety precautions to mitigate the dangers they face. Its lofty objective is to reduce the number of road fatalities to zero.
For motorcyclists, the statistics are sobering. The most recent comprehensive numbers are from 2023. There were 205 motorcyclists who lost their lives in a crash that year. Effective safety strategies include wearing a helmet and having protective clothing. That includes wearing appropriate shoes, gloves, and eye protection. They are also warned as to the risks of riding after drinking alcohol since 43% of fatal single-bike crashes in 2022 happened after the rider had been drinking.
Motorcyclists are in greater jeopardy during the summer
Motorcyclists generally face more dangers in the summer than they do during the rest of the year. There are many reasons for this including a higher traffic volume due to people taking summer trips and more young, inexperienced drivers being on the road. Many drivers of passenger vehicles and trucks are distracted by their cellphones, directional apps, and by interacting with passengers.
The weather is also a problem. Since storms and hurricanes are common when the weather is warmer, a wet road, drivers who are unaccustomed to operating their vehicles in poor weather, and flooding can also put riders in jeopardy. Many drivers do not keep watch on their blind spots for riders. The combination of heavier traffic and these other dangers put riders at risk.
Injured motorcyclists and their families should have help after an accident
People who have been hurt or lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident need to have prompt, aggressive representation to look out for their interests. The medical challenges people will face can include hospitalization, prescription medications, and rehabilitative care. Their finances can be severely damaged not just with medical bills, but with the inability to work. They might need to have care at home as they recover.
Regardless of the severity of the accident, it is important to have advice from the start. Consulting with professionals who know the ins and outs of motorcycle crashes, understand how to gather evidence, and can move forward with a case is key with reaching a successful outcome and holding those responsible for the accident accountable.
