05/24/2010 // Tampa, Florida // GetMeJustice // David Shapiro
Tampa, FL (News)—May 1st kicked off the beginning of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is aimed at reminding motorists to safely share the road with motorcycles. Tampa’s leading motorcycle accident attorney, David Shapiro, educates motorists and motorcyclists on how to stay safe while traveling on America’s roadways.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that deaths caused by motorcycle accidents have steadily increased over the past 10 years. In fact, motorcycle fatalities grew by 2 percent from 5,174 in 2007 to 5,290 in 2008; making 2008 the 11th straight year of increased motorcycle fatalities.
Through the National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in conjunction with NHTSA’s “Share the Road” program, they are reminding motorists and bikers of the following safety points:
• Road users are reminded to never drive, bike or walk while distracted. Doing so can result in tragic consequences for motorcyclists.
• A motorcycle has the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the roadway.
• Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. A motorcycle has a much smaller profile than a vehicle, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
• Remember that a motorcyclist can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to its smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals may not be self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders may change speed or adjust position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
• Allow more following distance — three or four seconds — following a motorcycle so the motorcycle rider has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
David Shapiro, Tampa’s top motorcycle accident lawyer urges motorcyclists and motorists to take extra caution hitting the roads as the weather warms up. Motorcyclists will soon be taking the road in larger numbers to enjoy the Spring weather, and motorists need to be extra alert, as bikers are sometimes not as easily seen. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contacting an experienced motorcycle accident attorney may help you get the compensation you deserve.
Personal injury news by leading Florida Gulf Coast motorcycle accident attorney, David Shapiro.
Visit: http://www.getmejustice.com/
Media Information:
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