CALIFORNIA AGENCIES ARE SEEKING TO REDUCE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
On behalf of Rooney Law Firm posted in Motorcycle Accidents on Saturday, May 17, 2014.
In the past few years, the number of fatalities associated with motorcycle accidents on California roads has increased. California residents include more than 1.3 motorcycle riders, and the Office of Traffic Safety and California Highway Patrol want to keep all of those people as safe as possible. As a result, the agencies are using May’s Motorcycle Awareness Month to inform bikers and other drivers about good safety measures.
One important component in reducing motorcycle accidents is proper training for bikers. Understanding skills and using those skills on the roadway reduces the chance of a collision and could reduce injury or save lives if an accident occurs. The CHP encourages all motorcyclists to take training, even if they consider themselves skilled operators.
The state has an official training program called the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. The program offers 130 education sites across the state for varying skill levels, making it convenient for most people to access training.
In addition to training, OTS and CHP say that riders should use common safety practices such as being aware of traffic and assuming drivers in cars or trucks do not see motorcyclists. Riders should avoid blind spots, wear helmets and not split lanes, according to the agencies.
The agencies hope to curtail motorcycle accident death tolls, which increased 8 percent during the period between 2011 and 2012. That was on top of a 20 percent increase in the previous year. In addition to cautioning motorcycle drivers, the agencies are asking other drivers to be more aware and considerate of motorcycles on the road. The CHP commissioner said that increased alertness on the roadways from all drivers will save lives and reduce injuries. When distraction on the part of another driver does lead to injury or death, the injured parties may have a case for seeking compensation for damages.
Source: Lake County News, “CHP and OTS stress safety to help put the brakes on motorcycle-involved collisions” No author given, May. 01, 2014
