Imagine that a friend of yours is out riding his motorcycle, enjoying the beautiful South Carolina weather, when suddenly another driver runs a stop sign and blindsides him. Maybe the other driver was too busy texting to drive safely, or was distracted by a passenger, or just didn’t see the motorcycle. No matter the reason, your friend has suffered serious, perhaps fatal, injuries—cuts, bruises, road rash, fractures, a concussion… or worse. In a matter of seconds, his life has been changed forever.
Unfortunately, incidents like this occur on a daily basis. Distracted drivers often injure cyclists because they aren’t paying enough attention to the road, or can’t stop in time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in 2012. Motorcyclists accounted for nearly 15 percent of the 33,561 motorist fatalities that year.
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and Elrod Pope Law Firm would like to remind all drivers to be mindful of motorcycles. When driving, always be aware of your surroundings and allow enough room for bikers to share the road. Be sure to pay extra attention; just because you cannot see a motorcycle does not mean that one isn’t there.
Motorcyclists should always wear a helmet when riding and make themselves visible to other motorists. Do not ride in other drivers’ blind spots and leave enough distance between vehicles to stop safely. Never drive or ride while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Good driving habits help ensure that all motorists can arrive at their destination in one piece.
If you or a biker you love has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, please contact us. For more information about distracted driving and reducing the risk of being in an accident, click here.
