Share the Road with Motorcyclists

New Mexico offers beautiful motorcycle routes throughout the state. Along these routes, Motorcyclists will share the road with automobiles. It’s our duty as responsible vehicle operators to pay close attention to our surroundings every time we start our engines.

A motorcycle accident, like automobile accidents, can occur for different reasons. Driving a motorcycle at night poses a serious threat for an accident. In many cases, motorcyclists are sideswiped on the interstate because the other driver simply didn’t see them in the dark. In some instances, an automobile driver may have not seen the motorcyclist use a turn signal and unintentionally rear-ended them.

Motorcyclists are less protected than other vehicle operators, and consequently can suffer serious injuries if in an accident. According to The University of New Mexico, out of 234 total fatalities this year, 33 were from motorcycle accidents. The types of injuries motorcyclists face when in an accident are usually more serious than other vehicle crashes. New Mexico’s State Law doesn’t require motorcycle driver’s or passenger’s to wear a helmet while riding. However, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, “a motorcyclist not wearing a helmet is 40 percent more likely to die of a head injury than one who wears a helmet”. Since injuries can be more serious, it is very important for motorcyclists to take extra safety precautions while riding.

Safety Tips

• Wear bright colored clothing to make yourself more visible to others.
• Never ride while impaired by alcohol.
• Always wear protective gear.
• Always obey the speed limit.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, please contact an experienced injury lawyer who can help you claim the compensation you deserve.