A Hollister, Missouri man was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday in Branson, Missouri. According to KY-3 News, the 30 year-old man was on Cliff Drive, just east of Pocahontas Street. Upon reading the report, it appears that the motorcycle accident was a single vehicle accident and police say that speed was a likely contributing factor. But, the report did not specify the speed at which he was traveling and if it was over the speed limit. We do not know if the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet and all of the circumstances that led to this young man being tragically killed. However, spring is a time when motorcycle riders increase in number.
Unlike the warmer states in the Southeast or Southwest, the Midwest does not have a lot of motorcycle riders in the winter months due to the snow, ice and cold temperatures. But, as spring weather rolls in, the number of motorcyclists will keep increasing. As drivers of cars and trucks, we all need to be aware of increased motorcycle riders on our roadways. There are a number of reasons that motorcyclists are easily missed from view including weather visibility, driver inattention and their ability to move in and out of traffic.
As a driver of a car or truck:
- Be aware of increased motorcyclists as warmer weather returns to the Missouri and Illinois.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots. Some motorcycles are loud, but if your radio is loud or if you have good acoustics in your car, you may not be able to hear them, so visibility is crucial.
- Motorcyclists are at a disadvantage on the highways and roadways simply because of their size. The feeling of freedom that motorcyclist enjoy also works against them as most of their body is exposed.
As a motorcyclist:
- Ride defensively and assume other drivers cannot see you.
- Help other drivers see you by wearing reflective and bright clothing.
- Be sure that your lights work on your motorcycle and consider additional tail lights.
- Educate yourself on motorcycle safety through completion of a motorcycle safety course.
- Be certain that your motorcycle is in good working order and that all of your lights work properly.
- Do not weave in and out of traffic. Recognize that you are not easy for other drivers to always see so use blinkers and hand signals when appropriate to indicate your movements.
- Exercise the correct speed according to speed limits and your ability level.
Spring is here and with the warmer weather, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrian numbers increase. Spring months are tough on motorcycle riders while automobile and truck drivers in the Midwest are not accustomed to seeing tons of motorcycles on our snow and icy roads of winter.
At The Cagle Law Firm, we represent victims of accidents with catatrophic injuries whether they are personal injury or wrongful death cases. Injuries of motorcycle accidents are frequently serious injuries, if not fatal. Victims and their families are consumed with the injury and the circumstances of life that are challenging and difficult. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident and you are not sure if you need legal representation, then you should take advantage of free consultations to gain information to make the best decision. We are available seven days a week to answer your questions, toll free (800) 685-3302 or locally (314) 276-1681
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