Learn To Share the Road: May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

A recent fatal motorcycle accident in West Haverstraw illustrates the dangers and vulnerabilities of biking.

A New York City man was killed when traveling south on Route 9W. A woman driving an SUV entered the road traveling northbound and the motorcycle struck the SUV. The motorcyclist died at the scene. A police investigation is ongoing.

Research has shown that many motorists don’t visually recognize a motorcycle as clearly as they do a larger vehicle. Whether this phenomenon occurred in the West Haverstraw accident or other factors were involved, motorcyclists are exposed to severe injuries and even death when in an accident.

Observe Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May by “Getting Up to Speed”

Motorcyclists’ experience a disproportionate rate of fatalities (14% of all traffic deaths) compared to the number of motorcycles registered in the U.S. (3% of all vehicles). Why this unequal death rate? One reason is the comparatively small size and weight of motorcycles vs. other vehicles. Also, in a crash with another vehicle or a stationary object or when driving in bad weather or poor road conditions, bike riders have virtually no protection.

To promote awareness of motorcycles on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) promotes its “Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles” safety campaign. Bikes are different and are operated differently, and it’s important to know these distinctions in order to safely share the road:

· A motorcyclist may not always use the brakes to slow down. They can downshift or ease off the throttle and, by doing so, may not display a red brake light. Be sure to keep a safe distance behind a motorcycle, about 3-4 seconds.

· Another reason not to follow too closely is that a motorcycle may need more braking distance in slippery conditions.

· A motorcycle may appear closer than you think. This can be caused by its small size as well as traveling at a fast speed.

· Your car will have more blind spots in which motorcycles can be hidden than with larger vehicles. These include your roof pillars and car doors.

Read more tips on sharing the road safely with motorcycles from the NHTSA. Motorcyclists can learn more about motorcycle safety from the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program.

Let Us Know If You Have Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a defective product, car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation at our locations in New York County, Rockland County and Westchester County. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.