Every year, the month of May is an opportunity for all drivers to remember that the summer months are prime time for motorcyclists to be on the road. Reports show that there are already more than 500,000 people in Wisconsin who have registered for a motorcycle permit or license. Drivers must take care to look twice before changing lanes and to be cautious when pulling out in front of these bikes because of their small size.
The manager of the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program told reporters that it can be very difficult for drivers of regular-sized vehicles to see motorcyclists and that it is also much harder to judge the bike’s speed and how fast it is approaching. He recommends that drivers look at least twice, preferably three times, to ensure the motorcycle is not in their path.
According to reports, there were 73 riders who died in Wisconsin in 2014 alone. One reason for this is that when a crash occurs, it can be much more serious for the riders because the bikes offer almost no protection. Broken bones, road rash and other major injuries are common in motorcycle crashes. Head injuries in particular can be fatal, even if the rider took the precaution of wearing a helmet.
While riders must be sure to follow the rules of the road, obtain the proper training and endorsements and do everything they can to protect themselves, some of the responsibility also lies with the other drivers. If you are injured in a motorcycle wreck because another driver failed to check the blindspot or pulled out in front of you, a personal injury lawsuit may be an option.
Source: Lodi Enterprise, “May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” May. 07, 2015
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