Being a life-long Clevelander, there are some things I have to come to expect when the weather starts to warm up in the Spring. Daylight savings time brings longer days, more people are out and about, the green comes back on the trees, and you start hearing the rumble of motorcycles.
Anyone who rides a motorcycle can’t wait to get back on the road after a long Winter, but riders need to understand it takes time for motorists to get used to sharing the roads with motorcycles again. According to drivers, the most common reason for motorcycle accidents is that the driver never saw the motorcyclist.
The more motorcycles on the road, the more accidents there will be.
Recent statistics show almost 400,000 people in Ohio own motorcycles. During the Winter months, most of those motorcycles are hibernating in garages, but the change in season brings them onto our roadways.
With accidents more likely to occur due to increased motorcycle volume, it is important for drivers and motorcyclists to do everything they can to keep the roads safe. Motorcycles leave riders extremely vulnerable. In fact, riders are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than those driving in ordinary vehicles, and five times more likely to be injured. Despite increased risk for motorcycles, accidents are dangerous for everyone involved.
With warmer weather and the return of motorcycles making our roads more congested and dangerous, all drivers/riders can do the following to protect themselves and others:
Drivers must:
- Be aware of motorcycles at all times.
- Use proper driving signals.
- Check all mirrors and blind spots.
- Avoid any and all driving distractions.
- Give motorcycles the distance and space they need.
- Avoid anything that will impair their driving.
Motorcyclists must:
- Follow traffic laws.
- Obtain proper licensing.
- Wear all proper equipment, including a helmet and reflective tape.
- Avoid any and all road distractions.
- Avoid riding in harsh weather conditions.
- Avoid riding while impaired in any way.
If you or a loved one was involved in a motorcycle accident, you have to call me right away at 1 (800) 556-4769. I can help you get the compensation you deserve.
As your Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
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