Our attorneys have been assisting the Orange County and Southern California communities for over 40 years.
Motorcyclists understand safety. They have to because they are much more vulnerable on the roadways than those inside traditional passenger cars. The reality is that motorcyclists have to take additional safety precautions that most other people do not have to think about. Here, we want to discuss three safety tips that motorcyclists can take to avoid fatal accidents on the roadways of California.
Speeding is the leading cause of vehicle accidents across the state of California each year. Regardless of what type of vehicle a person is operating, the higher the speed, the less time they have to react to other vehicles or hazardous roadway conditions.
Speeding is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders and passengers do not have much protection in the event a crash does occur. If a motorcyclist slams into another vehicle or a fixed object at a high rate of speed, those involved will likely sustain severe injuries.
Under no circumstances should any person operate a motorcycle while they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The California OTS shows that there were 123 total motorcycle operator fatalities who had a blood-alcohol level above .08%, which is the legal limit in this state. This means that 27.3% of every deceased motorcycle operator during the latest reporting year was impaired alcohol.
Operating any type of vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly increases the chances that an accident will occur. Impairment slows down reaction times and makes it much more likely that individuals will engage in reckless behavior on the roadway.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is responsible for the state’s official motorcyclist safety and training program. The CHP administers these classes through a primary contractor, and more than 1.2 million motorcycle riders have received training through the CHP programs since July of 1987.
We strongly recommend that every motorcyclist take the time to learn to operate their vehicles safely. Just like individuals learning to operate a car, riding a motorcycle is a complicated process that should only be done after a person learns from a trained professional. Not only will taking a motorcycle safety course allow a person to skip the riding skills test when obtaining their motorcycle license, but this can also help them receive insurance breaks and give them a piece of mind when they hit the roadway for some scenic riding.
Data available from the California Office of Traffic Safety indicates that around 13,000 total motorcyclists sustained injuries as a result of vehicle collisions across the state during the latest reporting year. Unfortunately, 474 motorcyclists lost their lives as a result of auto collisions.
Any individual injured as a result of a motorcycle accident needs to work with a skilled California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An Orange County personal injury attorney will have the resources necessary to obtain all evidence to prove liability, fully investigate the incident, and help recover maximum compensation for their client.