Motorcycle Accident

With warmer weather and the summer season fast approaching, MD motorcyclists are preparing for exhilarating road trips on their motorcycles. Though motorcycles are a source of fun and excitement, riders face unique hazards that other vehicles on the road may not. According to Nolo.com, road hazards are a common cause of motorcycle accidents as things that have little to no effect on cars, such as debris, can easily cause a MD motorcycle crash.

In order to be safe on the open road, the following are five common road hazards for motorcycle enthusiasts to be aware of and avoid:

1. Rough roads – Rough roads can be caused by disrepair, construction work, or resurfacing efforts.
2. Gravel on pavement – Gravel is one of the more problematic hazards for a rider to navigate, and gravel on pavement tends to be more common on winding roads, which are very popular terrain for riders.
3. Debris/objects in the road – Debris in the road, such as rocks or parts of tire tread, are very dangerous for motorcyclists as the object can cause a crash and also hit and injure the rider.
4. Slick surfaces – Due to the unstable nature of motorcycles and their lighter weight, sliding on the road due to a slippery surface can be very dangerous and easily cause an accident. Riders should be cautious during snowy, icy, and rainy weather.
5. Uneven surfaces – An edge break is when two traffic lanes are different heights and an expansion joint connects two sections of a road or bridge together. Both present a unique hazard to riders because of the uneven surfaces they cause.

Motorcycle safety year round is imperative to prevent a dangerous accident, but not all motorists exercise the same caution, which can endanger those they share the road with. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another’s negligence, the Bowie motorcycle collision lawyers with Alpert Schreyer have the experience and knowledge needed to obtain a winning result in your case. Call (866) 444-6363 for a comprehensive case evaluation.

Many motorcyclists first take to the roads again in spring, so it’s no surprise that May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in the U.S. To mark the occasion, the American Motorcycle Association and other motorcycle groups are offering additional safety tips for drivers, so that those in cars can share the road with motorcycles while reducing the risk of an accident.

In the 1980s, a monumental research report on motorcycle accidents revealed that accidents are frequently caused not by bikers, but by drivers of cars who either don’t know how to look for motorcycles or who simply fail to pay proper attention. These drivers may fail to check for motorcyclists before responding to a green light or making a turn and may collide with a motorcycle, often causing severe injury to the motorcycle’s rider.

This year, Motorcycle Awareness Month will focus not only on teaching drivers how to look for motorcycles and share the road, but also how to avoid distractions in order to prevent accidents. In recent years, the number of accidents caused by drivers distracted by cell phones or other items has increased, making distracted driving a serious risk for motorcyclists.

Many bikers take responsibility for their safety by wearing appropriate protective gear, making sure their motorcycle and its lights are in good condition, and checking twice for traffic at intersections and railroad crossings. However, sharing the road safely with bikers is still every driver’s responsibility. If you’ve been injured in a Maryland motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Maryland motorcycle accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer. Call us today at 800-301-7172 for a free consultation.