As a result of a recent North Canton accident in which a car crashed into a motorcycle, one man has lost his life and a woman has been seriously injured. According to police reports, the motorcyclist had slowed to make a turn when a car hit the motorcycle from behind; the driver and his passenger were both thrown off of the motorcycle in the collision. The man was killed in the crash and the woman, his passenger, was pinned under the car. Rescue personnel lifted the car off the woman and she was taken to the hospital for treatment of her severe injuries. The car’s occupants were uninjured and there was no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved.
Dangers Of Riding Motorcycles – Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Driving any type of vehicle can be dangerous, as evidenced by the numbers and types of accidents we read about in the news every day. However, riding a motorcycle comes with a whole separate set of dangers. Some of the most common types of accidents involving motorcycles include:
- Left-turning cars: When cars are waiting to make left turns, the driver may either fail to accurately assess a motorcycle’s rate of speed or even fail to see the motorcycle coming from the other direction altogether and make the turn right in front of the motorcycle. A motorcyclist’s quick reflexes and defensive driving are imperative to prevent disaster in this scenario.
- Loose gravel and road debris: These types of road hazards can be dangerous enough for a four-wheeled vehicle, let alone a motorcycle. Extra attention and caution is necessary any time a motorcyclist is driving on a road that is in less than perfect condition (which, of course, means always); even a brand new road surface can quickly accumulate debris that can be deadly to motorcyclists.
- Tight corners: The importance of keeping speed under control, particularly when driving on windy roads with sharp curves, cannot be overstated. Negotiating turns around tight corners is dangerous and can easily cause a motorcycle to skid out of control, especially if and weather conditions are an additional factor.
- Lane-changing cars: Much like with the discussion of left-turning cars above, drivers may not be able to easily gauge a motorcycle’s speed and may pull out in front of a motorcycle without realizing any danger. Equally possible is that the driver has simply failed to see the motorcycle. Either way, it presents a dangerous situation.
- Rear-end accidents: Fender benders happen all the time for any number of reasons. The trouble when it happens between a car and a motorcycle is that a motorcyclist has virtually no buffer from the car itself.
Alcohol and Motorcycles – A Combination to Avoid
As we begin to enjoy the summer months, it is a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of safe driving – and riding. Riding a motorcycle is significantly more dangerous than driving a car if for no other reason than because a motorcyclist lacks the protection of being surrounded by a car’s metal body. Though alcohol was not an apparent factor in the North Canton crash, it often is a factor in vehicle accidents of all types – and it is especially troubling when combined with driving motorcycles. Particularly in this time of year, with warm weather and summer picnics and parties, drinking and riding costs many lives every year. In fact, according to statistics compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute, motorcyclist deaths in 2014 were highest in the months of May through September. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the motor skills that are so necessary for safe motorcycle operation, including balance, coordination, and perception, are the skills so quickly affected by alcohol consumption. Additionally, judgment is not always the best after a drink or two – which makes it even more important to plan ahead to avoid putting yourself in a situation where you might be prone to make an unwise choice regarding drinking and riding.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that statistics highlight the dangerous combination of drinking and riding. According to the NHTSA, the percentage of motorcyclists who are involved in fatal crashes while they are intoxicated is higher than the percentage of all drunk drivers who are on the roads. As part of their effort to raise awareness of the problem and prevent drunk riding, the NHTSA has organized a campaign targeted for the end of summer, from mid-August through early September, encompassing the Labor Day Weekend. The campaign, which is primarily directed at the safety of motorcyclists, seeks to remind everyone of the importance of riding sober by offering statistics about drunk riding accidents as well as tips for avoiding putting yourself and others at risk. Some of the most important of these tips include:
- Wear helmets and protective clothing every time you ride a motorcycle;
- Do not ride while distracted;
- Do not ride without the proper training and licensure;
- Obey the speed limits and traffic laws; and
- Never drink and ride.
The Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Is Here To Help When You Have Been Injured In An Accident
When accidents occur, the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Co.LPA is here for you. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, whether it involved automobiles, large trucks, motorcycles, or any other type of vehicles, contact us. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but you will need to take action to receive any recovery. Our auto accident attorneys have handled a wide variety of accident case and will help you to obtain the best possible results. We will review the details of your case with you and help you understand what your rights and responsibilities include under Ohio law. The car accident legal professionals in Cincinnati at Ohio Car Accident Lawyers offer you the confidence that you have the best representation available. Contact the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers today to schedule your initial consultation at no cost or obligation to you.
