Summer is the season of motorcycles, road trips, and adventures. Many riders set out to experience all three of those possibilities, but not all return unscathed. According to the Motorcycle Accident Organization, more than 1,400 motorcycle-related injuries occur in Maryland each year. From those accidents, 72 riders do not survive. It is a chilling set of statistics, and they form from the idea of road trips and adventures. Daunting as that may be, some situations enhance the risk of motorcycle accidents. This blog examines some of those situations so that you can be aware during your summer travels.
1. Drinking and Driving
Driving while intoxicated or impaired is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. The same is true for those who ride motorcycles while drunk or impaired. Impairment does not necessarily mean alcohol and drug use, it can occur from over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as those for flu and colds. It can also happen from a lapse or change in mental states, such as anger, grief, or sadness.
2. Reckless Driving
Driving fast and recklessly can also lead to motorcycle accidents. Many motorcycles are made for speed and agility, but those racing attributes were designed for a closed track, not the public road system. Other factors outside the rider’s control can impact the ability of a motorcyclist to remain in control. Wildlife, water on the road, rocks, and other drivers can change fast and agile into out-of-control and deadly.
3. Lane Sharing
Lane sharing is a legal maneuver for motorcycle riders where two motorcyclists ride side-by-side in a single lane. However, lane sharing can enhance the risk of an accident.
4. Getting Rear-Ended by Vehicles
Not every motorcycle accident is the fault of the motorcycle rider. Many times other factors are involved. Like rear-end auto accidents, a motor vehicle driver can rear-end a motorcycle at a stop light or during traffic congestion. Vehicle accidents happen every day, and they sometimes involve a car and a motorcycle.
5. Left Turns
When you share the road with bicycles, motor vehicles, and other motorcycle riders, there is an enhanced risk of accident when a driver or rider turns left. Left-turning vehicles cross oncoming traffic, which can lead to collisions with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, or other vehicles.
6. Weather-Related Accidents
Weather impacts the safety of every driver and rider on the roads. Driving in rain, snow, ice, hail, wind, or excessive heat are just a few of the weather conditions that increase the risk of a motorcycle accident.
Contact The Jaklitsch Law Group If You Have Questions After a Motorcycle or Car Accident
Motorcycle accidents do not just involve the rider, many riders carry passengers and the injuries involved in motorcycle crashes involve those passengers too. In Maryland, any injured victim of a vehicle or motorcycle accident that was not at fault has sustained a personal injury. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and were injured, find out what your rights are under Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Laws.
Call The Jaklitsch Law Group at (855) BigDog1 for comprehensive legal guidance.
