‘Tis the Season for Motorcycle Crashes

It’s springtime in Massachusetts. That means warmer temperatures, longer days, and the departure (mostly) of snow and ice. Unfortunately, it also means an increase in motorcycle crashes. Some recent examples of serious Massachusetts motorcycle accidents include: 

• On April 14, a collision between a car and a motorcycle in Andover shut down I-93 while a helicopter picked up the victim for transport to an area hospital. First responders reportedly found the motorcycle on fire and the victim severely burned. No other injuries were reported. 
• On April 14, 20-year-old Devon Gove suffered life-threatening injuries when an SUV crossed the center line into oncoming traffic and collided with his motorcycle. As of April 15, it was reported that he was in stable condition. The driver of the SUV was also taken to the hospital, with less serious injuries. 
• On April 10, 21-year-old Cameron Teasdale of New Bedford died of injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with an SUV in Walpole. The Norfolk County District Attorney’s office told local press that the cause of the accident was under investigation.
• A 26-year-old motorcyclist involved in a collision with a motor vehicle in Boston on April 9 later died of his injuries.
• In late March, a 55-year-old motorcyclist and a 16-year-old passenger on the bike suffered life-threatening and critical injuries when a motorcycle and car collided on Route 44 in Raynham.
• On March 4, 20-year-old Jeremy Braz died after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle in Wareham.

It’s not a surprise that motorcycle fatalities are higher in the spring, summer, and early fall. The vast majority of motorcycle fatalities happen in good weather, and slightly more than half during daylight hours. That’s at least in part because there are simply more bikers on the road when the weather is pleasant and the roads are dry and free of ice and snow.

Watch Out for Motorcycles 

Obviously, drivers in Massachusetts and elsewhere should be alert for motorcycles on the road year-round, even though they are less common in colder weather when the days are shorter. Still, it’s especially important to be aware that we’ve entered the stretch of the year when there will be more motorcyclists on the road–and when there are traditionally more motorcycle crashes and motorcyclist deaths. 

Tips for Sharing the Road with Motorcycles in Massachusetts

One of the most important things the driver of a car or other larger vehicle can do when sharing the road with motorcycles is to ensure a safe following distance. Of course, that’s important when the vehicle in front of you is a car or truck as well. But, the risks of following a motorcycle too closely are much more significant. Rear-ending a motorcyclist can be fatal, even at relatively low speeds. And, if a motorcyclist has trouble on the road, such as hitting a pothole or sliding on grass clippings and falls, a vehicle traveling too close may be unable to avoid running over the already injured biker.

It’s also important to remember that motorcyclists are entitled to the same space on the road and the same rights of way as other vehicles. Don’t cut into a lane next to a motorcyclist or pull up next to one at a stop sign or stop light, even if it seems like you have plenty of room. When a motorcyclist is occupying a lane of traffic, they get the whole width of the lane. 

Truckers should remain conscious of the wind effect of their vehicles and maintain sufficient space to minimize the impact on motorcycles as they draw near in a parallel lane or pass one another. 

Hit By a Car While Motorcycling? 

If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a motorcycle in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to find out whether you have a claim against the driver who hit you is to talk to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. Attorney Kevin P. Broderick offers free, no-obligation consultations for Massachusetts and New Hampshire personal injury cases and wrongful death claims. So, you have nothing to lose by learning more about your rights and options. 

Call us today at 978-459-3085 or fill out our contact form.