May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Thousands of motorcyclists ride their bikes through West Texas and New Mexico every day. But with the freedom of the open road comes the serious risk of injury or even death. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there were approximately 4,700 deaths attributed to motorcycle accidents in 2015, the last year for which complete data is available. While there are fewer motorcycles on the road compared to cars and trucks, motorcycle accidents “accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths,” according to the IIHS.

What Motorists Need to Know

Government agencies and public safety organizations take time each May to promote motorcycle safety awareness. May is an especially appropriate time, as spring is in full bloom and many more motorcyclists take to the road, especially in southwestern cities like El Paso and Las Cruces.

While most motorcyclists operate their vehicles in a safe manner, other motorists do not know understand how to share the road properly. Many accidents are the result of a car or truck driver simply not seeing a motorcycle until it is too late. And unlike a collision between two cars, a motorcyclist is at a significant disadvantage when hit, as he or she lacks the protection of an enclosed vehicle.

The most important thing to remember as a motorist is that motorcycles have the same right to the road as you. A motorist should never try to force a motorcyclist out of their lane or to the side of the road. Always allow the motorcycle a full lane width. In addition, it is a good idea to allow for a greater following distance than you would for a car–about 4 or 5 seconds.

Motorists also need to be proactive in keeping a lookout for motorcyclists. A motorcycle can easily hide in a blind spot, especially if you are operating a large minivan or truck. Always check twice before changing lanes or merging with traffic.

What Motorcyclists Need to Know

If you are the motorcyclist, you also have a responsibility to follow the rules of the road. Motorcyclists have an unfair reputation as inherently reckless drivers. This can work against a motorcyclist if the police investigates an accident or an injured motorcyclist later brings a personal injury claim against a motorist. But it also serves as an important reminder that motorcyclists need to be good citizens on the road.

One issue that often comes up in motorcycle accidents is the use or lack of a helmet. The Texas Department of Transportation noted that out of 459 motorcycle-related deaths in the state during 2015, 52 percent of the victims were not wearing helmets at the time of the crash. Despite this, many motorcyclists simply prefer not to wear a helmet.

Texas does not require motorcyclists over the age of 21 to ride with a helmet, provided they complete a state-approved motorcycle safety class and carry at least $10,000 in health insurance coverage. New Mexico does not require any motorcyclist over the age of 18 to wear a helmet. This does not mean either state endorses riding without a helmet, only that you will not face any criminal or civil penalty for not doing so.

Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in El Paso, TX, or Las Cruces, NM?

A motorcycle accident can have devastating consequences for the rider, their passengers, and their family members. When an accident is the result of a motorist or third party’s negligence, it is important to stand up for your legal rights. Contact the El Paso & Las Cruces motorcycle accident attorneys at the Lovett Law Firm if you have been injured and require immediate legal assistance.