The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHSTA) recently released a chart showing the number of annual motorcycle accidents from 1964 to 2013. The chart shows a steady decrease of accidents, which is likely to bring relief to motorcyclists and their loved ones.
While it is something to smile about, motorcycle accident attorney Randall Flager provides a reality check. He voices his concerns to prweb.com:
“While cars and trucks continue to become safer, little can be done to protect a motorcyclist from an impact. That’s why it’s so important for drivers of larger vehicles to remain aware of motorcyclists…. It’s not enough for drivers involved in accidents to claim they ‘failed to see’ a motorcycle. When drivers are involved in accidents due to their own careless behavior – such as driving drunk or distracted – they need to be held accountable for their actions.”
Mr. Flager brings up a good point: it’s great that we are seeing fewer accidents, but motorcycles simply don’t have the protective potential that cars and trucks do. Decreasing numbers don’t matter when you or someone you love suffers. Car and truck drivers nationwide need to up their motorcycle awareness on the road.
Eliminate Distraction
Focus is the foundation of safe driving, for motorcycles and cars alike. Don’t check your phone, don’t drink, and don’t drive angry. When part of our attention is not on the road, we might still be aware of the big cars around us, but what about the motorcycle that’s about slipping through traffic? Smaller vehicles and objects will be the first thing attention-wavering drivers miss.
Actively be on the lookout
Even with complete focus, drivers often forget to be aware of motorcyclists. Just as drivers must constantly remind themselves to look out for pedestrians and other cars, they should also remind themselves to look out for motorcyclists.
If you or someone you know needs a motorcycle accident attorney, or if you have any questions about motorcycle accidents, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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