Spring is here, and the temperatures are perfect for a motorcycle ride. It’s nice getting out on the open road in the Tampa Bay area. Riding your motorcycle may be one of a few places where you feel free from the confines of your home during this difficult time.
Have you noticed how quiet the streets are? Is everyone driving just a little faster than normal because of it? Don’t think you’re safe just because there’s fewer cars and trucks on the road.
Just how much danger are you in?
You know the risks of driving a motorcycle since you are more vulnerable to injury than truck, SUV and car occupants are. However, when the traffic thins out, the number of speeders often increases.
Motorcycle fatalities have increased dramatically since 1997. The data reveals that 5,172 riders and passengers died during 2017. Below are some other sobering statistics and facts about motorcycle riding:
- Of those who died, 91% were men.
- Of those who died, 28% were intoxicated.
- Of those who died, 35% were over the age of 49.
- While motorcycle represent only 3% of the country’s registered vehicles, motorcyclists represented 14% of roadway fatalities in the year studied.
A largest part of the problem is the drivers in other vehicles. While you take all the steps you can to protect yourself as you ride, you cannot control the actions of other drivers.
What are automobile drivers doing wrong?
Every driver owes a duty to the people they share the road with, including you. Below are some of the more common ways that drivers fail to live up to that duty.
- They fail to regularly check their blind spots
- They fail to look for and simply “see” motorcycles
- They allow themselves to get distracted while driving
- They fail to keep a safe following distance and often pass too closely
Of course, drunk drivers, drowsy drivers and speeding drivers also do not keep your safety, or the safety of anyone else for that matter, in mind as they drive.
Bad driving should not be tolerated. When a motorcyclist or their passenger is harmed by a negligent or careless driver, learn about your legal options from the Wells Law Group, P.A. Holding bad drivers responsible is one step you can take to making the roads safer for yourself and others.
