This morning, a 30-year-old man on a motorcycle was killed at an intersection in west St. Louis County. A woman driving an SUV westbound on Ladue Road made a left turn onto the southbound ramp of Highway 270. The motorcyclist, traveling eastbound on Ladue Road, came through the intersection and hit the rear passenger side of the SUV.
Police are still investigating the crash, so there is not yet a definitive answer on who had the right-of-way. This accident comes just days after a couple riding a motorcycle was killed by a drunk driver in southeast Missouri. These recent crashes underscore the need for more motorcycle safety awareness.
Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privilege as any other vehicle on the road. All motorists are reminded to safely share the road with motorcyclists and be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe. All motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other vehicles on the road.
As a reminder, all vehicles should follow these safety tips:
- Passenger car drivers must allow greater following distance behind a motorcycle.
- Drivers also must show extra caution in intersections. Most crashes occur when a driver fails to see a motorcyclist and turns left in front of a motorcycle.
- Drivers should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Always give a motorcycle the full lane width.
- Motorcyclists should avoid riding in poor weather conditions.
- Motorcyclists should position their motorcycles to avoid a driver’s blind spot.
- Motorcyclists must use turn signals for every turn or lane change.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for things like medical bills, time off work, pain and suffering. As always, Matt Casey and Matt Devoti offer free, no-obligation consultations in order to determine if you have a viable personal injury case.
