Motorcyclists and Drivers Should Practice Safe Driving Habits to Save Lives

A deadly combination of motorcycle safety violations resulted in the death of a 49-year-old motorcyclist over the weekend. According to news reports, the motorcyclist was found lying fatally injured in the bushes outside a Lexington business by a security guard early Saturday morning. Police indicated that the man did not appear to be wearing his helmet and that speed and alcohol were likely factors in the accident.

Although Kentucky law does not require motorcyclists over the age of 21 to wear protective helmets, our Lexington motorcycle accident attorneys have continued to stress the importance of wearing one to improve the chances of survival. The cyclist in this case suffered a serious head injury after striking a utility pole.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Center’s 2009 Traffic Collision Facts, the most current year full traffic statistics are available, there were 1,972 crashes involving motorcycles on Kentucky roads. Those accidents resulted in 88 fatalities and 1,475 injuries. Forty-seven of the deceased cyclists were not wearing their helmets. In addition, in 13 of those deaths, the motorcyclist had been drinking alcohol.

Of all of the statistics, the most startling is that motorcycles represented 7% of the vehicles in fatal collisions, but only 1% of vehicles in all Kentucky collisions.

Unfortunately, even when motorcyclists are following all the rules of the road they are still susceptible to devastating injuries from motorists. Motorcyclists are often hidden from view of other drivers by being in their blind spot. Many accidents involving motorcycles occur when motorists change lanes or make a turn at an intersection or side road and turn in front of the cyclist.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making motorcycling safer, has derived an acronym for motorists to follow when sharing the roadway with cyclists to improve their safety on the highway. S.E.E. – Search, Evaluate, and Execute – is a guideline for drivers and motorcyclists to stay active when on the road and to not fall into “autopilot” mode:

• Continually Search ahead and scan the roadways for potholes, gravel, sandy conditions, and railroad tracks. Be aware that any of these obstacles can cause a biker to swerve.
• When a situation arises, Evaluate how to handle it based on your skills, the actions of the cyclist, and the actions of other drivers and vehicles in the area.
• Execute the appropriate maneuver, stop, or correction quickly and effectively.  

Motorcycles and other vehicles can share the Kentucky roadways safely, but all drivers must follow the rules of the road to avoid collisions. Using proper safety equipment, such as helmets, following the posted speed limits and not drinking and driving are the most basic actions that motorists can take to save lives.

Contact the Frank Jenkins Law Office Today
The Kentucky motorcycle accident attorneys at Frank Jenkins Law Office in Lexington understand that when you have been hurt in an accident, medical treatment is often your primary concern – but paying for your medical bills soon becomes a priority. When your injuries were caused by a distracted or careless driver, you shouldn’t have to worry about the bills for the medical care that you need. It’s our job to fight for your rights so that you can concentrate on your health and family while we deal with the insurers and those responsible for your injuries.

We can help you and your family following a Kentucky car accident. Call our injury lawyers today at 859-389-9344 or contact us via email. You can also contact us online for a FREE CONSULTATION.