Are Your Driving Habits Safe for Motorcyclists?

May 02,2016

A fatal motorcycle collision in Palm Springs shut down Crossley Road and Dinah Shore Drive last Wednesday evening. Police say a motorcyclist riding east on Dinah Shore Drive struck a Buick sedan that was turning onto Crossley Road from Dinah Shore Drive at around 5:30 p.m. The Buick’s front side passenger was killed in the accident.

The motorcyclist suffered critical injuries and was taken to the hospital. The Buick driver was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The intersection of Crossley Road and Dinah Shore Drive was closed for an investigation for several hours following the fatal motorcycle collision.

While there is no indication yet whether the driver or the motorcyclist was at fault in this accident, it’s always important for drivers to practice safe driving habits in regards to motorcycles on the road. Follow these 3 tips for driving safely around motorcycles:

Check twice for motorcyclists before making a turn. The No. 1 cause of motorcyclist fatalities is vehicles making left-hand turns when the motorcyclist is either going straight through the intersection or passing the vehicle. Because motorcycles are smaller than vehicles, making them harder to spot, drivers should double-check before making a turn to ensure a biker isn’t approaching
Leave motorcyclists ample space. If you think you might be too close to a motorcycle on the road, you probably are. Motorcyclists often need to swerve in the lanes to avoid potholes and other obstacles, or to get out of other vehicles’ blind spots. They also have a shorter stopping distance than cars do, so you want to make sure you’re not following too closely. While rear-ending a car isn’t usually a big deal, hitting a motorcycle from behind can be deadly. Leaving the motorcyclist plenty of space from all directions helps ensure their safety.
Be conscious of motorcyclists. Simply being aware that motorcyclists could be on the roads around you can help you become a safer driver. Take special note when the weather is nice, as more bikers are likely to be out.

“With the weather getting warmer, more and more bikes will be out on the roads in the coming weeks. Let’s all make an effort to create safe roads for motorcyclists,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.
DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.