Motorcyclists: Inattentive drivers may increase your risks on the road

There are numerous risks that motorcyclists across the country face that can result in serious injuries. Many of these hazards involve other drivers.

For many motorcyclists across New York State, there is nothing better then enjoying a ride along New York’s scenic back-country roads to admire the fall foliage. The idea of an afternoon motorcycle ride may seem carefree, but could come with risks that threaten a biker’s life. Many of these risks pertain to other drivers on the road. It can help for everyone to understand these hazards so motorcycle crashes may be avoided.

Motorcycle accidents are a serious problem throughout the state of New York. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 170 motorcyclists lost their lives in New York in 2013. This number of fatalities was approximately the same during the previous two years, while 184 bikers died in crashes in 2010.

Common contributors to motorcycle crashes

What are some of the most common factors leading to motorcycle accidents? One of the most serious risks to motorcyclist safety involves inattentive or reckless drivers sharing the roads with them. It may be difficult for drivers to notice a nearby motorcycle when they are not expecting to see any, motorcycles are smaller and some may be quiet enough to escape a driver’s notice.

It is not uncommon for drivers to pull out into a motorcycle’s path or to change lanes without first checking to make sure a motorcycle isn’t in their blind spot. Drivers also may not realize that motorcycles need extra following room, because they can stop much faster than other vehicles.

Motorcyclists may suffer severe disabling injuries in a crash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these may include the following:

• Potentially fatal brain trauma
• Broken bones, especially in the arms or legs
• Neck and spine injuries
• Road rash

These injuries are especially severe because motorcyclists have so little protection when confronted by a much larger vehicle. Helmets may provide some protection but are not a guarantee of safety, especially taking into account the numerous other injuries that can occur when a biker is thrown from his or her bike in a collision.

Jefferson County motorcycle crash injures one, kills another

A recent accident illustrated the sudden dangers that motorcyclists may encounter on the roads. The Democrat & Chronicle reported that in August, two bikers were traveling in Jefferson County when an 18-year-old driver pulled out into the intersection in front of them.

The 47-year-old Rochester woman struck the van and was ejected from her motorcycle while the 38-year-old man lightly struck the minivan. The man was treated for injuries deemed non-life-threatening, but unfortunately the woman was pronounced dead at the hospital. The teen driver was charged with failure to yield the right of way.

You might believe that there are risks you must face in order to enjoy motorcycling. However, you may be eligible for the compensation of your losses if you are injured in a crash caused by another driver. An experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help.