Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents in Wichita

A motorcycle accident occurred recently in Wichita, as was reported by KSN.com. The accident happened on a Sunday morning shortly after 1:30 AM. The motorcycle rider was on a 1998 Honda motorcycle traveling in the westbound lane of U.S. 54 between Edgemoor Street and Olive Street. The motorcycle reportedly rear-ended a 2014 Dodge Charger being driven by a 28-year-old Derby man.

Police indicate the motorcyclist was likely traveling at a high rate of speed when he rear-ended the other vehicle. The motorcycle rider was taken to Wesley Medical Center for treatment after the accident. His condition was not reported by the Kansas Highway Patrol, who are still investigating the incident.

Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents like this one are far too common. Motorcycle riders are often the ones who are hurt or killed when accidents happen involving cars, and it is important for both motorcycle riders and drivers to do everything possible to avoid accidents. Especially during the summer months in Kansas, it is essential to understand the added accident risk since more motorcyclists are on the roads.

Motorcycle Accident Prevention Tips For the Summer Season

The recent crash involved a motorcycle rider who was allegedly speeding and rear-ended a car. Speed is a big factor in motorcycle crashes, and whether it is the motorcyclist or the other vehicle's driver who is speeding, it can significantly increase the risk of a collision.

Tailgating is also a big problem when it comes to rear-end crashes. If either a motorcyclist or a driver of a car follow too closely, this can result in a higher crash risk. It may be an especially big issue if a driver is following a motorcycle rider too closely because motorcyclists are more affected by road conditions. A change in the road's surface or debris in the road is something a motorcycle rider must respond to immediately- and if the motorcyclist slows or hits the brakes, a driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid striking him.

Speed and tailgating are not the only things motorcyclists and vehicle drivers need to be worried about when it comes to crash prevention. To try to reduce the chances of accidents, it is also important to:

• Stay sober. Drunk drivers of cars or motorcycles can cause crashes due to impaired judgment, slow reflexes and the potential to doze off.
• Stay alert. Driver distraction is one of the biggest reasons for motorcycle crashes. Drivers also have to be sure they are not too fatigued, as drowsiness can make it very hard to be alert.
• Follow the rules of the road. Drivers need to yield to motorcycle riders when it is their turn, and vice versa.

Drivers should also be sure they look carefully to see if there is a motorcycle rider in their path before they change lanes or before they make a turn. The problem of drivers hitting motorcycle riders under these circumstances is so substantial that a safety campaign called Look Twice, Save a Life exists to urge drivers to be more cautious about checking for motorcycles.