Can California Motorcycle Accidents Be Prevented?

At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Whittier know that California leads the nation in motorcycle registrations, which places thousands of more bikes on our roadways than other states. With over 800,000 motorcycles registered on our roadways, our accident, injury, and fatality statistics are typically much higher, too.

Unfortunately, no matter the size of the state, the statistics are still grim.

According to the most recent statistics reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,014 motorcycle accident fatalities last year nationwide.

In California, there were over 16,500 motorcycle accidents reported last year, which caused nearly 15,530 injuries and 550 fatalities.

Motorcyclists are approximately 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash, and four times more likely to be injured.

Here is what both motorcyclists and other motorists can do to help prevent accidents with vulnerable riders on our roadways.

What Can Motorcyclists Do To Remain Safe on Our California Roadways?

California Legislation requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear Department of Transportation compliant helmets that can help prevent face, head, and brain injuries in both riders and passengers should a motorcycle accident occur.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that nearly 1,860 lives were saved last year alone by wearing the proper helmet while riding.

While wearing a helmet is a good start, to help avoid collisions motorcyclists must also:

• Slow down when maneuvering sharp turns and curves
• Check their surroundings at intersections and crosswalks to avoid being rear-ended by a distracted driver
• Avoid riding between active traffic and/or parked vehicles
• Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Perform regular maintenance on the motorcycles before riding, including ensuring the headlamps, turn signals, tires, brakes, and engine is functioning properly

Our Whittier & Arcadia Injury Law Firm also focus on:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accident
• Truck accidents
• Dog bite accidents
• Brain injuries
• Workers’ compensation
• Wrongful Death

What Can Other Motorists Do To Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents in California?

Safe riding practices are only beneficial when other drivers are cooperating with preventive driving methods of their own.

Drivers must understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists, including how difficult they are to see when traveling alongside other motorists and how hard it is to downshift to slow their speed or avoid being ejected from the bike when they must stop quickly to avoid a collision.

Car, truck, and SUV drivers should take care when sharing the roads with motorcyclists, and be sure to:

• Check blind spots when changing lanes, entering highways, or merging in traffic
• Allow four seconds of following distance between the vehicle and the motorcycle
• Move over to provide passing motorcyclists with more room, when possible
• Look at least twice for motorcycles before making a right turn
• Watch for motorcycles before opening car doors when parked or pulled over next to moving traffic
• Check for motorcyclists and gauge their speed before making a turn in front of the bike

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in California, contact our Personal Injury Attorneys in Whittier, CA today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Whittier, California

If you have been injured or lost a loved one because of another driver’s negligence in California, contact our dedicated motorcycle accident lawyers in Whittier at Hanning & Sacchetto today by calling (562) 698-6446 to learn how we can pursue the financial recovery you may be entitled to for your complete losses.