A motorcyclist is dead after losing control of his vehicle on a curve and being ejected from the bike. The accident occurred on the North Side earlier this week. A witness confirmed that the man was initially riding his motorcycle when he took the curve on Northampton Drive, near Interstate 10. According to police, speed played a role in the crash. Officers stated that the motorcyclist was going too fast when he went around the curve. Officers say the man lost control of the vehicle and hit several mailboxes and trees before being thrown from the bike.
According to the report, the motorcycle continued driving after the driver was ejected, and proceeded to plow into a North Side home. The motorcycle hit the corner of the home, taking out a supportive column, and causing significant damage. Firefighters who reported to the scene attempted to re-secure the column so that the home would not collapse.
The name of the motorcyclist has not yet been released, and the investigation into the crash remains open and on-going.
Motorcycle Accidents in San Antonio
San Antonio has a reputation for its traffic and busy roads that is well earned. These busy roads also result in a huge number of traffic accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. In fact, statistics show that on average, one motorcyclist dies every day on Texas roads. Of those fatal accidents, 75% involve a motorcycle and another vehicle, while only 25% represent single motorcycle crashes. This really emphasizes the importance of remaining alert and focused while driving, as a vehicle weighs approximately 12 times that of a motorcycle, and motorcyclists have no real armor or protection. A single moment of a driver checking a text message can cost a motorcyclist their life. This has prompted Texas’s Department of Transportation (txdot) to launch a new campaign, “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles,” to remind drivers of vehicles that motorcycles can be hard to see, and that it’s important to make space for them.
Statistics reflect that the most dangerous period for motorcyclists is from May through October each year. According to txdot, 61% of all motorcycle deaths in Texas occur during this timeframe each year.
Most Common Causes of Texas Motorcycle Crashes
In addition to driving distracted and unsafe/distracted lane changes, safety experts claim that one of the most common causes of accidents between a vehicle and motorcycle is the vehicle making a left-hand-turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. Experts say it is very easy for the vehicle-driver to misjudge the distance and speed of the motorcycle, overestimating how much time they have to pass them. This can also leave little to no room for the motorcyclist to adapt, correct, or avoid the vehicle. The data reflects that last year alone, 30% of all Texas motorcycle fatalities occurred at intersections or were related to intersections.
Mitigating the Risk of Driving for Motorcyclists
In order to avoid collisions at intersections, it is critical to exercise extra care when making left-hand turns. It is always better to wait a few extra moments than to make a life-threatening gamble and try to make a turn when you are unsure of the distance between you and the oncoming motorcycle. It is also important to give driving your complete and total attention, and to be mindful and present when making lane changes and turns. Always look twice when changing lanes, and give motorcycles plenty of space on the road.
Talk to a Lawyer
If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision that was not your fault, San Antonio motorcycle accident lawyer Eric Ramos is ready to advocate for you and ensure that you get the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to. Call today to schedule your free consultation. There is no fee until we win.