Drivers Angry at Motorcyclist-Friendly Message
As a motorcycle accident lawyer, I found this news article in The San Diego Tribune interesting to say the least. If you have been driving on Southern California freeways, you have probably seen the message posted by state agencies: "Share the road. Look twice for motorcyclists." I thought that was a good message to send to drivers. But, according to the Union-Tribune's article, a number of drivers were outraged by this seemingly reasonable request.
In fact, San Diego's Caltrans office got a number of negative calls. One call was a 20-minute rant! Why were these drivers angry? Apparently, they believe that it is not their job to watch out for motorcyclists, especially those who speed, double up in lanes with cars or otherwise ride aggressively.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The negative calls are peculiar to the San Diego area, Caltrans officials say. The signs were basically a joint effort between Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and the state Office of Transportation Safety. In 2008, 52 fatalities and 1,134 injuries were reported as a result of motorcycle accidents in San Diego County, which ranks second behind Los Angeles County among four counties with the worst motorcycle accident rates.
Share the Road, Drive Safely
As a San Diego personal injury lawyer who has been representing motorcycle accident victims for the last 30 years, I believe that it is every motorist's duty to drive safely. Just because you are on a motorcycle, it does not give you an automatic license to drive recklessly or with disregard for your own or another's safety. That said, the message the state put out is an extremely important one.
Whether we like it or not, we share the road with other vehicles. It is important that motorists in larger vehicles consciously look for motorcyclists, especially at intersections, which is where a majority of serious motorcycle crashes occur. It is easy for motorcyclists to slip into your blind spot as well. It never hurts to look twice. Also remember that in car accidents involving motorcycles, it is the motorcyclist who suffers the most serious injuries, most of the time.
I can understand motorists' frustrations with motorcyclists who do not follow the law or driver dangerously. However, it is important for all of us to understand and absorb this important message. Share the road with other vehicles and always remember that you share the road with other vehicles and pedestrians.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
