We all know that, for motorcyclists to ride safely, other motorists need to start seeing them, paying attention to them, and sharing the road safely with them. A recent deadly accident in Killeen demonstrates that these safety precautions also apply to other motorcyclists.
The Motorcycle Accident
According to the Killeen Daily Herald, the fatal motorcycle accident occurred on Interstate 14, just west of Killeen, on the night of June 3. The accident involved two motorcyclists who were both traveling at reportedly excessive speeds and who were both driving in the same direction. The 24-year-old male on the rear bike collided into the front bike (driven by a 29-year-old male) and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second motorcyclist was transported to the hospital and is reported to have incapacitating injuries. This deadly accident highlights exactly how devastating motorcycle accidents can be.
The Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares the following serious statistics related to motorcycle accidents:
- In 2018, 4,985 motorcyclists died in fatal traffic accidents.
- Motorcyclists are at 28 times the risk of dying in traffic accidents than the occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles are.
- Motorcyclists represent only 3 percent of the total number of vehicles on our roads, but they account for a full 14 percent of all traffic deaths, leaving them overrepresented when it comes to deadly traffic accidents.
The Inherent Risks of Riding
When you are on your bike, you face a variety of inherent risks that leave you more likely to be injured in a traffic accident than other motorists are, including:
- When you are on your bike, you do not have the heavy shell of a car’s body to protect you from the impact of an accident. As a motorcyclist, nothing comes between you and the extraordinary impact of an accident other than your safety gear.
- When you are on your bike, you are much more difficult for other motorists to see on the road, and
- You are far more vulnerable to driver negligence. Such negligence includes distracted driving, which, with the advent of the smartphone, is becoming a much more menacing issue on our roadways. Further, other forms of negligence, like speeding, impairment, and aggressive driving are also dangerous and increase the risk of motorcyclists being injured in traffic accidents.
Reach Out to a Dedicated Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another motorist's negligence, call attorney Brett Pritchard today. Our experienced legal team knows how to et injured victims the compensation to which they are entitled under the law. We are here for you, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.