Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists Need to Champion Following the Speed Limit

Its likely that most motorcyclists got into riding because of an interest in breaking the rules. After all, the motorcycle is perhaps the greatest American symbol since the cowboy of someone truly living their life to the fullness of their freedom. Its exceedingly unlikely anyone ever took up even the thought of buying a motorcycle while assuming theyd be following all the rules of the road at all times.

Motorcycles are about breaking free, getting away from the confines of life, and expressing yourself in a daring, breathtaking way. And yet, no motorcyclist can ever completely ignore the more dangerous side of riding. Thats part of the charm of the bike, but its also something bikers have to remain aware of as they ride.

Thats why bikers need to come to the forefront of standing up for following the rules of the road. Sure, it takes something away from the charm of riding, but it also keeps every biker safer.

According to the McCutcheon & Sexton Law Firm, a full 20% of bike accidents are because of speeding, and it is usually the other vehicle doing it. What that means is the biker is following the rules, and someone else is breaking them.

That fact right there illustrates why bikers have to become the voice for following the law on the road. As the most rebellious, thrill-seeking group in America, if bikers stood up as one and demanded more drivers of all vehicles follow the rules, it would make a substantial difference.

Bikers as a community could lobby for more expensive speeding tickets or more points per violation. Since bikers are a symbol of being against such demands, it will surely garner a lot of attention and perhaps make a real difference in the law and on the street.

The sad fact is, bikers are by-and-large very responsible with their vehicles, but they are the ones who suffer most because others are not nearly as careful. If it isnt speeding, its vehicles making illegal moves in the intersection or driving unsafely when road conditions are poor.

Bikers already take care of their end of things, but others, who feel safer within their vehicles, dont do the same, and the biker is the one who ends up seriously injured or worse.

To stop that trend, bikers need to band together and sacrifice a bit of the reputation for improvements in how other drivers think of the road and how the police try to keep those roads safe.

While a safer road might remove a little of the mystique around riding a bike, motorcyclists can take consolation from the fact that at least theyll be around to enjoy riding, mystique or not.

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Motorcycle Accidents and Road Defects

Motorcycle Accidents and Road Defects

Motorcycle accidents happen because of rider errors and reckless tendencies, but there are instances where they happen because of third parties, such as dangerous road conditions. Those who are responsible for the construction and maintenance of the road that has caused an accident may be held liable. In fact, according to the website of Mazin & Associates, PC, those who have been hurt in motorcycle accidents may get compensation.

Defective traffic lights and signs

Traffic lights are there to ensure that every motorist is passing without obstructions. If the lights are not functioning properly, motorists may get involved in accidents caused by right-of-way issues. Warning signs, such as about speed limits and construction sites ahead, may also put motorists at risk if they are absent, incomprehensible, or not effectively visible. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk because they are not wrapped in metal chassis like car drivers. They may sustain more serious injuries when they get involved in accidents.

Lack of barriers and dividers

There should be proper barriers outside of the roads, so motorists who veer off roads will not crash down embankments or fall from elevated spaces, such as in freeways and mountainous areas. Barriers can also be placed between the opposite lanes to prevent motorists from swerving into oncoming traffic.

If these barriers and dividers are absent or not strong enough, they may result into head-on collisions, rollover accidents, and even deaths. Since motorcyclists only have limited protections, like helmets and pads on the knees and elbows, they may be more vulnerable to bodily damages.

Potholes, cracks, and other dangerous road conditions

Motorcycles have less traction on the road because they only have two tires and these tires are thinner compared to those from vehicles. This means that they are more prone of crashing because of defects on the road, such as cracks, debris, potholes, slippery materials like rainwater and ice, and trash.

Visibility Issues

Road visibility is an important aspect of safe riding. Anything that can affect visibility, such as unmaintained trees and bushes and poor lighting, can compromise safety. What makes this issue more dangerous is the fact that motorcyclists have the tendency to be less visible on the road, because they are smaller, have less effective lights, and often weave through traffic.

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