On Wednesday, a motorcyclist heading south on Lemay Ferry Road was struck and killed by an SUV pulling onto Lemay Ferry heading north. Police are still investigating the crash, so there is not yet a definitive answer on the cause or who was at fault.
May is officially Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, however this recent crash and the warmer weather highlight the need for more driver education regarding motorcycles. “When motorcycles and other vehicles collide, it is usually the other (non-motorcycle) driver who violates the motorcyclist’s right of way,” according to a statement from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Why do drivers often violate motorcyclists’ right of way?
- Motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don’t see them
- Drivers don’t anticipate motorcycles’ movements
- The driver’s view of the motorcyclist is obstructed, often by the vehicle’s blind spots or other vehicles
- The driver is distracted
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. For their part, motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other vehicles and to always wear the proper protective gear.
Additional road sharing tips:
- Passenger car drivers must allow greater following distance behind a motorcycle.
- Drivers should never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Always give a motorcycle the full lane width.
- Motorcyclists should avoid weaving or changing lanes quickly.
- Motorcyclists must use turn signals for every turn or lane change.
Thinking of buying the bike of your dreams? Be sure to do your research and take a motorcycle drivers education and safety course before hitting the road. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers safety booklets, downloadable Rider Course handbooks, and videos. They can also help you find a motorcycle safety course near you.
RideApart publishes its list of the 10 most common causes for motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them, complete with videos taken by helmet crash cams of what can go wrong.
Lastly, the Sturgis Riders News Blog offers a list of 12 tips all seasoned riders swear by.
Casey & Devoti is a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm. Together Partners Matt Casey and Matt Devoti have nearly 40 years of trial experience. They handle a variety of personal injury matters, including: car, truck and train accidents, victims of impaired and distracted driving, medical malpractice and birth injuries, product liability, slips/trips/falls, elder care and sexual abuse, Workers’ Compensation, and wrongful death. Matt and Matt proudly serve clients throughout metropolitan St. Louis, southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, call the office today for a free, no-obligation consultation: (314) 421-0763.
