Share the Road & Save a Life: It's Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
At least 40 motorcyclists have died in South Carolina so far this year
Every summer, South Carolina becomes a beacon for motorcycle enthusiasts. We have some of the best and biggest bike rallies, charity runs, shows, and rides, and motorcyclists are already riding in from out of state to take in the scenic routes and enjoy the activities.
But with more bikers on the road comes the risk of serious motorcycle accidents, which is why drivers in Beaufort County and throughout the state need a reminder to share the road.
In South Carolina and across the nation, May is recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Traffic and safety officials use this time to draw attention to the long-standing problem of motorcycle accidents and hope that by raising awareness, severe injuries will be prevented and lives will be saved.
Already this year, there have been at least 40 motorcyclist deaths in South Carolina. In 2021, there were 56.
Keeping motorcyclists safe on the road
Here are some things drivers can do to avoid hitting motorcycles.
Maintain a safe distance
Rear-end motorcycle accidents are often fatal for bikers because it's common for motorcyclists to be ejected or get run over when hit from behind by another vehicle. If you are driving behind a motorcycle, give the operator extra room.
Use your turn signal
Using your vehicle's directionals is always a good idea, but it's critical when there are motorcycles on the road. Give motorcyclists as much warning as possible before making a turn, merging, changing lanes, or passing. Surprise maneuvers by other vehicles can end badly for riders who have to make quick and possibly destabilizing adjustments.
Pass with caution
Passing a motorcycle is not the same as passing a car. Motorcycle stability can be thrown off by gusts due to acceleration by other vehicles. When passing a bike, give them plenty of room. Do not re-enter the lane until you are several car lengths in front of the motorcycle.
Stay alert at intersections
Due to their smaller size and low profile, motorcycles can be hard to spot at intersections. If you see a motorcycle approaching you, understand that it's difficult to gauge its speed and distance. Be sure to give motorcycle riders time to maneuver, and never turn if your view is obstructed.
Check your blind spots
Every vehicle has "blind spots" where the driver is unable to see another close-by vehicle or person. Blind spots are typically caused by a car's design but can be offset with mirrors and turning your head to check your surroundings. Always check your blind spots before:
- Pulling away from a curb
- Backing up
- Leaving a parking space
- Making a three-point turn
- Turning at an intersection
- Merging
- Changing lanes
You should also use caution when opening your vehicle's door. Dooring accidents occur when you open a car door into the path of an unsuspecting motorcyclist, and these types of collisions often lead to severe injuries for riders.
Talk to a Beaufort motorcycle accident lawyer today
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, experienced legal representation can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Insurance companies are infamous for delaying, disputing, and denying claims, and all it takes is one mistake on your end to negatively impact the amount of compensation you're able to recover. That's why you should talk to a motorcycle accident attorney about your legal rights and options.
At Twenge + Twombley Law Firm, we understand how a motorcycle accident injury can affect every aspect of your life, and we take pride in standing up for injured riders during their greatest time of need.
Discover what our law firm can do for you and contact us today for a free case evaluation. We proudly serve clients who were hurt in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head.