Motorcycle Safety month promotes biker awareness
The federal government has declared May as National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to remind motorists to keep an eye out for motorcyclists and motorcyclists to make an effort to make themselves more visible to motor vehicle operators. Warmer weather means more motorcycles on American roadways and more collisions involving motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller and quicker than automobiles, and more difficult to see on the roadways, especially when they are approaching from the side. Last year 671 motorcycle collisions occurred in the state of Missouri, including 644 accidents causing severe injuries and 82 fatalities. The state of Missouri has launched a campaign to support this public safety awareness effort by reminding motorists to “Watch for Motorcycles.” Safety experts advise that drivers can avoid becoming involved in a collision with a motorcyclist by carefully checking their side mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes, signaling before making a lane change, allowing motorcycles to occupy an entire lane, and maintaining a five second following distance. Experts also advise that motorcyclists signal turns with both turn signals and hand signals, avoid riding in inclement weather conditions, and always wear a safety helmet compliant with safety guidelines.
As an auto accident attorney in Burlingame, I am hopeful that this and other safety awareness campaigns are effective in reducing the number of accidents on roadways. If you or someone you love has been injured in a traffic collision of any sort, please consider contacting a Burlingame personal injury lawyer.
