To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents, Drivers Are Encouraged to Slow Down

For Vancouver-area residents, motorcycle riding is a popular hobby and a cost-effective mode of transportation. While flying down the highway with the sun on your back and the breeze on your skin is part of the appeal, the open nature of a motorcycle puts riders at risk. When accidents happen, severe and potentially fatal personal injuries can result. Two recent crashes that occurred within minutes of each other on opposite sides of the state emphasize the dangers of speeding and the importance of playing it safe any time you are on the road.

Recent Motorcycle Accidents Emphasize the Dangers of Speeding

The Sky Valley Chronicle recently reported on two separate motorcycle accidents that occurred in Washington state on the same day, both resulting in serious injuries for the riders involved. In each case, speeding was cited as the contributing cause. The first one happened north of Vancouver on State Route 113 in Clallam County. On Sunday June 15th at 6:30 p.m. a 2007 Suzuki DL6 motorcycle passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone while traveling at a high rate of speed. Soon after, the motorcyclist lost control of the bike while negotiating a curve and crashed into a ditch. The rider was thrown from the motorcycle and had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital due to the life-threatening injuries he suffered in the accident.

Just minutes later, a similar accident was reported along I-205 in Clark County, near milepost 28.3 in Vancouver. In this case, the driver was headed northbound on a 2005 Harley HXSTI before skidding out of control and crashing into a ditch. Highway patrol reports that he also was driving too fast for conditions. His bike was totaled and he suffered severe injuries as a result of the crash. There were no other motorists directly involved in either collision. Had there been, the injuries suffered could have easily proven fatal for both bikers.

Protect Yourself Against Motorcycle Accidents In Vancouver

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, motorcycles represent just four percent of the registered vehicles in the state, but account for nearly 20 percent of all accidents resulting in both injuries and deaths. In roughly half of these cases, speeding is the main contributing factor.

To protect yourself and your passengers against injuries suffered in crashes and as the result of collisions with other motorists, follow these tips:

• Follow posted speed limits at all times;
• Reduce your speed when going around curves and during adverse weather, poor road conditions, or in heavy traffic;
• Wear a motorcycle helmet at all times;
• Make sure your bike is properly sized and easy to manage;
• Consider taking an additional safety course, such as those provided through SW Motorcycle Safety. Or, at least read our article regarding motorcycle safety.

When personal injuries occur as the result of motorcycle accidents, the Johnston Law Firm can advise you on how to get the compensation you need to recover. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Vancouver personal injury attorneys online today and request a consultation to discuss the options available in your case.