I would like to take a moment to talk about a topic that affects us all: the shared responsibility of road safety, particularly regarding motorcyclists. My wife and I recently spent a wonderful weekend in Lincoln, New Hampshire, enjoying the natural beauty of Franconia Notch State Park. During our stay, we were surrounded by numerous motorcyclists, all of whom were out enjoying the beautiful weather and breathtaking scenery.
However, this situation serves as a reminder that there are important aspects of road safety everyone needs to keep in mind. The main one, of course, is that motorcyclists enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as any other motorist on the road. This is a two-edged sword. While motorcyclists must adhere to laws such as speed limits and proper lane changes, other drivers must also recognize that motorcyclists are entitled to the same rights on the road as cars and trucks.
Look Twice to Save a Life.
In my legal practice, I have seen many instances where this balance of rights and responsibilities is not respected. I have represented motorcyclists who were operating completely within the law, following every rule of the road, only to be involved in serious accidents caused by drivers of larger vehicles who failed to respect their right of way. I recall a particular case where a motorcyclist was lawfully riding when a driver, ignoring the stop sign, decided that the motorcycle should yield to them. The motorcycle rider, who clearly had the right of way, was struck by the vehicle. Unfortunately, this incident led to a severe injury, requiring my client to have a foot amputated due to the extent of the damage.
In another case, a motorcyclist suffered a compound fracture, where the bone was visibly protruding. In both instances, the drivers of the larger vehicles had the audacity to yell at the motorcyclists, questioning why they did not stop. The motorcyclists did not stop because they were not required to; the law was on their side. The drivers failed to observe proper road rules and recklessly assumed the motorcyclists should yield. These heartbreaking situations are a powerful reminder that everyone must do their part to ensure the roads remain safe for all. Motorists should always be mindful that motorcycles have the same rights as any other vehicle, and we must be diligent in watching for them. Looking twice can truly save a life.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue. Let us all work together to make the roads safer for everyone, especially those who are more vulnerable to the consequences of careless driving, such as motorcyclists.
Safe driving is a shared responsibility, and it is one we should all take seriously.