May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month as part of an effort to help raise awareness about the vulnerability of these drivers.
These motorists are much more susceptible to injuries and death when involved in a motorcycle accident in New York and elsewhere in the state, as they are smaller and have less protection. They are often left in a motor vehicle’s blind spot and overlooked on our roadways.
Throughout the entire month, the National Safety Council and our New York personal injury attorneys urge motorists to share the road with our motorcyclists and to exercise extra caution and awareness when they’re nearby. Driver awareness may be one of the most effective ways to avoid these potentially deadly interactions.
The need for this awareness month continues as accidents involving motor vehicles and motorcycles jumped more than 130 percent between 1998 and 2008. In 2007, it was estimated that the mileage death rate for motorcycle riders was nearly 40 times greater than that of a passenger vehicle occupant.
“Throughout spring and summer the number of motorcyclists on the road will increase. It is important for both motorists and motorcyclists to be aware of one another,” said David Teater, NSC senior director of Transportation Initiatives. “To better defend themselves, motorcyclists should follow the rules of the roadway and wear protective gear, including a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.”
Our roadways see more motorcyclists in the springtime weather. Drivers in New York and elsewhere across the state need to be cautious and alert for our two-wheeled drivers.
As the economy recovers, we expect more and more motorcycles to be hitting our roadways. We expect that number to rise even more because of the rising gas prices.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 150 motorcyclists lost their lives in traffic accidents occurred in New York State in 2010. This is a number that continues to rise every year.
The NSC offers these tips for motorists to help recognize the presence of motorcyclists:
-Do not tailgate a motorcycle. Allow even more distance between you and them than you would a motor vehicle.
-Allow a motorcycle to use the entire width of a lane. Never try to share a lane.
-Exercise extra caution in intersections. Most accidents happen when a motorist fails to see a motorcyclist and turns left in front of a motorcycle.
-Check, and double check, your surroundings before making a maneuver in traffic.
A complete list of motorcycle events in New York, including rides to support National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, can be found on the Cycle Fish website.
New York personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose understands that being involved in a motorcycle accident in New York City or the surrounding areas requires the solid advice of an experienced legal professional. If you have been injured, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights at 1-877-313-ROSE (7673).
