When a moving vehicle collides with a motorcycle, it often results in serious or fatal injuries, even if they were both moving at slow speeds at the time. These types of accidents often happen when drivers are unaware or inattentive. Simple awareness and practicing caution can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious motorcycle accident.
Drivers of larger vehicles may not know how to safely share the road or understand their responsibilities while behind the wheel. One moment of distraction or one small mistake can result in grave and debilitating injuries for a biker. Statistics indicate that as many as 75% of motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, and drivers of larger vehicles are responsible for the crash most of the time. Awareness can save lives.
What can drivers do to make roads safer for motorcyclists?
You may wonder what Hawaii drivers can do to make the roads safer and lower their chance of an accident. One of the most beneficial steps is to understand the right of way and when they should yield to motorcycles. In as many as 66% of motorcycle-involved accidents, the motorist was distracted or did not yield.
Many people misunderstand bikers. Faulty misconceptions cause some motorists to assume that bikers are reckless, aggressive and should not be on the road. In reality, most bikers are well-trained, courteous and do everything possible to keep themselves and others out of harm’s way. Motorcycles have just as much of a right to be on the road as a mom driving a minivan or someone driving a truck to work.
Understanding the dangers of intersections as a biker
If you are a biker, you are well aware of how dangerous it can be to drive through an intersection on your motorcycle. Many accidents involving bikes occur at intersections when a driver turns in front of a motorcycle or fails to accelerate to avoid a collision.
When drivers are distracted or reckless, they are often unable to accurately assess how fast a motorcycle is going and how fast or slow they should go to avoid a collision. Attentiveness is the most important aspect of safely sharing the road with motorcycles.
What if there is an accident?
If involved in an accident, you do not have to walk through the aftermath alone. It may be helpful for you to speak with an experienced motorcycle injury attorney regarding your legal options and how you can fight for appropriate compensation. Hawaii laws allow victims to pursue legal recourse and hold liable parties accountable after serious motor vehicle accidents.