Road Debris to Blame for Fatal Motorcycle Accident

A Galveston man succumbed to injuries sustained as the result of a motorcycle accident involving debris left on the I-45 feeder road. The Galveston man was traveling down the feeder when he attempted to swerve his motorcycle to avoid hitting debris left in his lane. Unfortunately, the motorcycle went off of the road and hit a nearby traffic sign. While this incident is tragic, it’s unfortunately a scenario motorcycle riders face all too often. Debris left on roadways is just one of many road hazards motorcyclists tackle daily while on roads and interstates.

Motorcycle Fatality Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a collision than the driver or passengers of a motor vehicle. While the most data (2018) regarding motorcycle fatalities suggests a slight decrease of about 5% from the previous recorded year, still an astonishing 4,985 motorcyclists were killed on roadways across the country. That’s 4,985 loved ones lost due in preventable motorcycle accidents brought about by passenger vehicle drivers failing to follow road safety guidelines and traffic laws that act to protect riders and pedestrians.

Top Hazards for Motorcycle Riders

Due to their lack of physical protection, motorcyclists are vulnerable to road dangers and other vehicles like pedestrians are, only they have no choice but to share the same lanes as drivers in large work trucks, 18-wheelers, and passenger vehicles. Because of this, motorcyclists face numerous hazards when driving.

Road Debris

Motorcyclists colliding with debris in their paths has the potential to be much more lethal than a passenger vehicle facing the same obstacle. While a passenger vehicle may sustain physical damage from debris, motorcyclists absorb the total impact of whatever is left on the road. When roads are not cleared and maintained after incidents like heavy storms, construction, or a previous accident, motorcyclists’ lives are put in danger. Motorcycles do not have the ability to travel over road debris obstacles; and, often when a rider attempts to swerve or miss hitting debris, they take the gamble of losing control of their bike, which can cause further, more serious injuries.

Other Drivers

Passenger vehicle accidents disproportionately affect motorcyclists in catastrophic ways. Drivers can protect the motorcycle community and their loved ones by eliminating reckless driving habits from their daily routines. Current driving behaviors that put the lives of motorcyclists at risk include:

Distracted Driving

A driver’s focus should always remain on the road – and for good reason. When a driver is distracted by behaviors such as texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio station, and even eating, they lose precious reaction time crucial to preventing an accident should they need to stop or swerve.

Speeding

Speeding has severe potential consequences for both passenger vehicle drivers and motorcyclists. When a driver speeds, they not only put the lives of everyone sharing the road with them at danger, but they are also likely to increase the severity of injuries sustained in collisions. Simply put, motorcyclists are no match to cars or other large vehicles when involved in speeding-related crashes.

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

Drivers who disobey traffic laws kill thousands of innocent people each year. Passenger vehicles failing to yield while turning left were responsible for 42% of fatal motorcycle accidents. In these cases, the rider was attempting to drive straight or passing when the passenger vehicle struck them.

Blind Spots

Clear and accurate visibility can be a pedestrian and/or motorcyclist’s best friend while sharing the road with other vehicles. By knowing a vehicle’s blind spots and adjusting mirrors for best visibility, drivers can protect the lives of motorcyclists they may not see on the road. Drivers should always check all of their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or merging with traffic to decrease the chances of an accident.

Texas Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

All drivers, including motorcyclists, have the right to travel safely across Texas roads. When other drivers fail to take responsibility and practice safe driving, riders’ lives are at risk. If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed due to the negligence of other drivers, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. There is limited time to act after your accident, so contact Craft Law Firm today for a free and confidential case consultation.