Over the years, motorcycle riders have been held liable for accidents involving themselves and motorists. They are usually accused of being reckless on the roadside. However, it has been discovered that motorists are often responsible for accidents that involve motorcycle riders.
Motorcycle riders and the authorities in Florida are sending a message to everyone since May is the Motorcycle awareness month.
What is the Message?
Every vehicle driver has the opportunity and power to avoid a collision with a motorcycle. It is important that vehicle drivers are held liable when accidents happen due to their negligence. Residents of Florida need to be extra vigilant as Florida is the most dangerous state for motorcycle riders. Statistics show that over 555 died in 2016 due to motorcycle accidents in Florida.
While many people blame riders for being reckless, the truth is that most riders ride responsibly. Most times, the power to avoid the accident lies in the hands of the motorist.
What Can a Florida Injury Attorney Do for You?
A Florida Injury attorney with a reputation for advocacy in riding communities can help you or your loved one in the event of a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle riders are vulnerable placing them at high risks when a collision occurs. It is the riders that suffer fatal injuries during vehicle to motorcycle collisions. Riders can get injured even if they drive at low speeds.
Advocates of motorcycle safety urge vehicle drivers to share the road with motorcycle riders. They promote messages like “Look twice to save a life”, and, “Share the road”. They hope that motorists will show consideration to motorcyclists on the road.
Safety Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in Florida provides motorists with safety tips for avoiding motorcycle accidents. Some of these tips include:
- Look carefully before you enter an intersection or change lanes.
- Riders are always entitled to their lanes so never try to share a lane with a rider.
- Give motorcycle riders enough space to pass. Slow down when you see a rider trying to pass. Do not speed up.
- Do not drive too closely to motorcycle riders. The leading cause of fatal motorcycle accidents are rear-end collisions.
- Keep in mind that the motorcycle riders will most likely be moving faster and closer to you that you think. There should be at least four-seconds of space between your vehicle and the motorcycle.
Saving a life may only require that you allow a rider to pass without increasing your speed or trying to compete for the lane. All you have to do is take a few seconds to put the rider into consideration even if you believe the road belongs to motorists. This can help prevent fatal accidents and save you from a personal injury lawsuit.