Two motorcycle accidents in Southern California demonstrate the possible dangers of riding motorcycles. Although for many motorcyclists part of the joy of riding is the feeling of freedom one has, motorcycles' lack of protection leaves bikers particularly vulnerable to serious injuries in motorcycle accidents.
Motorcycle Accidents During Love Ride
On a Sunday morning in late October, 2011, a children's charity event that attracted hundreds of motorcyclists took place on the Golden State Freeway in Los Angeles. The event, Love Ride, is hosted annually by the Love Ride Foundation to raise money for charities that serve children; this year, the featured charity was Autism Speaks.
The Los Angeles Times reports that, at almost 10:30 that morning, two motorcyclists participating in Love Ride collided on the freeway and were taken to the hospital for treatment. The accident blocked three of the five northbound lanes and created heavy traffic congestion for several hours afterward.
About an hour after the first accident, a second motorcycle accident occurred in the same area. A man and his female passenger were riding between the lanes of traffic when the motorcycle hit a tractor trailer and they were run over by the truck. The riders did not survive the motorcycle accident, and it is unclear whether they were participating in Love Ride.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Because motorcyclists are relatively unprotected in a crash, it is important to drive safely. To help avoid the risk of serious injury in a motorcycle accident, the California Department of Motor Vehicles provides the following motorcycle safety tips in the California Motorcycle Handbook:
- Wear a helmet
- Wear protective gear including goggles, long sleeves and pants and sturdy shoes
- Wear high-visibility clothing
- Only ride motorcycles that are the right size and practice riding in various conditions
- Drive at a safe speed
- Leave a "cushion of space" between the motorcycle and other vehicles
If, despite your best efforts, you are injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney with experience in motorcycle accident cases to discuss your legal options.
