Many roads are built with cars and trucks in mind, not motorcycles. As a result, features that seem harmless to drivers can contribute to a serious motorcycle accident and traumatic motorcycle injury.
One of the most common hazards is pavement marking materials. Painted lane lines, crosswalks, raised reflectors, and decorative surfaces often reduce traction—especially when wet. While cars can drive over them without incident, motorcycle accidents and motorcycle injury can happen, especially as a result of sliding during braking or cornering.
Another overlooked danger is visibility which we are going to discuss in depth on our BLAWG because Motorcycle Man believes improved visibility / conspicuity (and UMI Insurance) are the two best things motorcycle riders can do to prevent motorcycle accidents and to receive compensation for traumatic motorcycle injuries.
Motorcycles are narrow, and roadway objects such as signposts, utility poles, traffic signals, and even landscaping can completely hide a bike from a driver’s view leading to a motorcycle accident and a traumatic motorcycle injury. At intersections, a motorcycle can be perfectly concealed behind a narrow object long enough for a driver to pull out directly into its path creating conditions where a motorcycle accident can occur.
Urban environments increase these risks. Parked vehicles, construction equipment, delivery trucks, and buses create visual clutter that makes it harder for drivers to detect motorcycles.
Motorcycle Man’s Mantra: REMEMBER YOU ARE THE SMALLEST THING ON THE ROAD.
Poorly designed intersections and outdated traffic layouts further increase collision risk and Motorcycle Man can tell you that there are politicians in Austin making it harder every year to sue the negligent and grossly negligent construction companies who cause motorcycle accidents and traumatic motorcycle injuries on the regular! This happens as detailed in the Texas Supreme Court Opinion below when the Texas State Legislature (CPRC 97.002) extends governmental immunity from personal injury cases to private road construction companies.
State, County, and City engineers and planners often overlook how motorcycles interact with these environments, even though motorcycle riders face far greater consequences when traction or visibility fails. Again. Good luck suing the “King” – i.e., the Government.
Motorcycle Man wants you to be safe. Motorcycle riders know how to be independent. Let’s be independent and take care of our own safety to avoid motorcycle accidents. Because at the end of the long legal road, an opinion like this from the Texas Supreme Court might be lurking to “pour you out” for your traumatic motorcycle injury, or worse, your widow and children’s recovery for your death:
To learn how roadway conditions, visibility issues, and pavement materials affect rider safety and injury claims, visit our Highway Factors Affecting Motorcycle Safety page.
