If you’re an avid motorcycle rider, or have a family member who is, you’re likely well aware of the dangers involved. In fact, it’s probably no surprise to you that, in collisions between motorcycles and passenger vehicles, the motorcyclist is 34 times more likely to be killed than the occupants of the other vehicle. This disparity comes because motorcyclists and their passengers don’t have the heavy, steel protection that a car’s body provides.
Because they are aware of the dangers inherent in riding a bike, most motorcyclists are alert, cautious, and safety-conscious when they take to the road. Unfortunately, this cannot be said about many other drivers they must share the road with.
This was tragically illustrated last spring in New Hampshire, when a pickup truck towing a trailer crossed over the center yellow line and crashed, head-on, into a U.S. Marine motorcycle club. Of the 10 bikers who were hit, seven died and three were seriously injured. The pickup’s driver has been charged with seven counts of negligent homicide.
Sadly, bikers being injured by reckless or inattentive drivers is a nationwide problem, and Colorado is no exception. According to Colorado State Patrol, motorcycle accident fatalities have doubled over the last decade.
A Recent Tragedy in Boulder
We need to look no further than this week’s motorcycle accident in Boulder, near 30th and Bluff streets. The cause of the accident is under investigation, but it involved a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle carrying two riders. One of the motorcyclists was pronounced dead at the scene, the other was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Because many such accidents are preventable, we urge both riders and drivers of other, larger vehicles to be attentive while on the road, particularly in situations that commonly lead to motorcycle/passenger vehicle collisions:
- When changing lanes.
- When making left and right-hand turns.
- At intersections.
- When trying to make it through a yellow light.
- When approaching a stopped motorcycle from behind.
- When a driver is speeding.
- When a driver is distracted.
We at the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, want all Colorado motorcycle riders to have a safe and enjoyable summer while biking through our state’s beautiful scenery. If you have any questions about what to do after a motorcycle accident, call our offices at (303) 665-2929 for a free consultation.