Negligent Driver Kills Five Motorcyclists in Fatal Accident

In the wake of a horrific motorcycle accident that left five dead and six others seriously injured, it's time for a closer look at biker safety.

The accident occurred on a two-lane highway west of San Diego, when the driver of a Honda tried to pass a group of riders from the Saddletramps Motorcycle Club of Lakeside, California.

To avoid hitting the car, an oncoming Dodge moved to the right shoulder but then swerved back into the closely assembled riders. The car's speedometer stuck after the accident, showing a speed of 60 mph; the Honda driver sped off and has not been apprehended.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

Safety statistics indicate that the most common cause of car-motorcycle collisions is that motorists simply fail to notice motorcycles in dense traffic. In about two thirds of all accidents, the motorist turns illegally into the lane of a motorcycle, cutting it off. The consequences are disastrous.

Some 5,000 riders die each year; in 2005, this was 34 times higher than for passenger-car occupants. The annual injury rate hovers at around 96,000, or eight times that of car occupants. And the frequency of motorcycle-motor vehicle accidents has been rising for two decades.

Tips for Bikers

Mindful of such facts, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has assembled a list of safe-riding tips:

• Learn - More than 90 percent of riders involved in accidents had no formal training. Take a motorcycle course to develop good basic riding techniques.

• Get Licensed - Nearly half of all motorcycle riders involved in accidents are unlicensed or improperly licensed.

• Prepare - Wear appropriate gear for comfort and protection. Be seen-stand out. Wear bright clothing and use highly efficient reflective material.

• Be Awake - Fatigue and drowsiness can impair a motorcyclist's ability to react.

• Plan - When riding in groups determine your route in advance and coordinate it with the other riders.

• Inspect - Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride.

• Ride Sober - Alcohol and other drugs affect judgment and do not mix with motorcycling.

• Obey the Law - Don't speed; know the local traffic laws and rules of the road.

• Be Courteous - Be considerate on the road; show courtesy and respect to other drivers.

• Improve - Take an experienced course to sharpen your street-riding strategies and accident-avoidance skills.

Any rider involved in an accident should contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer to discuss the basis for possible legal action.

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Daniel A. Kalish

Since 1986 I have been assisting residents of New York State in regards to their legal concerns.