Motorist awareness can make New Jersey roads friendlier to motorcycles

Motorcycles are popular modes of transportation for people who live in Burlington County and are commonly seen on the roads. However, New Jersey roads are not always friendly to motorcycles and their riders and motorcycle accidents are often serious, leaving bikers with severe injuries or resulting in the death of the rider.

This was demonstrated by a recent crash in Bridgeton between a motorcycle and a car according to New Jersey.com. The car and its driver left the scene and the wounded biker, who required air transport to a hospital. The factors and cause of the collision are unknown but it is likely that the motorist wasn’t paying attention.

Motorcycle fatalities rising

According to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, the numbers of motorcyclists dying in collisions is rising. The office presents the following facts regarding New Jersey and motorcycle crashes:

• About 2,000 motorcyclists are injured every year.
• 377 motorcyclists died in collisions between 2003 and 2007.
• Around 70 people die every year in motorcycle accidents
• Motorcycle riders are at a 75% risk of being injured in a crash
• 90 percent of motorcycle riders have no training in motorcycle safety

While motorcycle riders have a role in some accidents, a recent study conducted in Florida by the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research revealed that the majority of accidents between cars and motorcycles are caused by motorists according to the Sun Sentinel. Over a ten year period, drivers were at fault for 60 percent of collisions involving motorcycles.

Motorist awareness

Motorists and motorcyclists need to work together in a partnership to make the roads safer and there are several tips that drivers can follow according to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. One thing that drivers should do is put their phones down. While driving and using a cell phone at the same time is illegal in the state, many people continue to do this and risk hitting a motorcycle and causing serious injury to that biker.

A big tip for drivers is to be aware that motorcycles have the ability to hide behind other vehicles and even in a driver’s blind spot. They do not do this intentionally, but this often happens because of their smaller size. Because of their smaller size, motorcycles also require more space and distance between themselves and vehicles. The extra space gives them time to move to a place in the lane where they can see ahead or slow down to avoid sliding on rough or wet pavement.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident you should meet with an experienced attorney who can explain your rights to you and help you pursue the compensation you may be legally entitled to.