Why Motorcyclists are the Most Vulnerable Drivers on the Road
When we think about road safety, many people conjure up the biggest, heaviest SUVs as the safest option–and that is not far from the truth. Even though motorcycles are quick and easily maneuverable, they are also at the highest risk from other drivers and from roadway issues. Not only are there more accidents, but more fatalities as well. At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we help clients injured in motorcycle accidents in and around Seaford, Wilmington and Newark. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.
Unseen dangers for motorcycles
The biggest danger to motorcyclists is automobile drivers. Simply put, car operators fail to treat motorcycles with the same respect and caution they give other vehicles. This lack of appropriate space between vehicles can lead to problems during sudden stops or in avoiding road hazards. Motorcycles more easily fit into drivers’ blind spots, on top of being generally less visible overall. Newer motorcycles tend be quieter, removing the auditory cue for car drivers to be aware of their presence. Ongoing campaigns such as “Share the road!” start every year as the spring weather arrives, exhorting drivers to be more conscious.
But the dangers to motorcyclists do not end with the drivers. Many issues arise from lack of proper road maintenance and design flaws. Delaware lawyers often end up having to address negligent road conditions through the legal system. Open grate bridges, road surfaces not designed for motorcycles, crosswinds, debris and potholes all pose unique risks to motorcyclists—risks that can lead to serious accidents, injuries, or even deaths.
More serious outcomes from accidents
Why are motorcycle accidents so much more dangerous than auto accidents? Simply put, motorcycles trade agility for safety. The lack of a protective layer between the operator and other vehicles, or the road itself, leads to drastically more grave injuries. Even as motorcyclists laugh at drivers of traditional vehicles for climbing into their “cages,” it is that safety cage, those airbags and crumple zones, that do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping fragile human bodies safe in accidents. Perhaps the lack of encompassing safety features is part of the reason that motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die per mile traveled than an automobile driver, and five times more likely to be injured.
Our trusted Delaware motorcycle accident attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are here to defend the rights of motorcyclists who have been injured by others drivers’ actions or by lack of road maintenance. Contact us by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Wilmington, Newark or Seaford today.
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Attorney Jeffrey S. Friedman joined Silverman, McDonald & Friedman in 2001. He graduated from Widener University School of Law, and is admitted to practice law in Delaware and Pennsylvania, and in several Federal Circuit courts. He areas of concentration include auto accident and workers’ compensation cases. Read more about Attorney Friedman here.