According to Massachusetts State Police (MSP), a 20-year-old motorcyclist was killed while crossing over the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge. Officers report that the biker collided with an SUV and then with a pickup. He was taken to the hospital right after the Boston accident, but was pronounced dead. According to 7News, it happened just before 3:00 p.m. on the Boston side of the bridge. Officers say that the man was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident but it wasn’t enough to save his life. The bridge was closed until that evening so that officials could investigate.
“Guy hit the bike, guy went flying, I ran over him,” said the pickup driver involved in the accident.
Our Boston motorcycle accident lawyers understand that there are a lot more motorcyclists on our roadways this time of year. For that reason, we’re asking drivers to be careful of everyone, especially motorcyclists. These two-wheeled travelers are extremely vulnerable for serious injury or death in the event of an accident. Sometimes not even a helmet is enough to save them. All drivers need to be cautious of one another and keep an eye on our vehicle’s surroundings to help to avoid a potentially fatal accident. One wrong move can wind up costing someone’s life.
In 2009, there were nearly 5,000 riders who were killed in motorcycle accidents nationwide. In addition to these fatalities, there were 90,000 motorcyclists injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of these accidents, injuries and fatalities could have been prevented if drivers took the extra time and actually looked for these riders. Oftentimes, they’re just overlooked on our roadways because drivers don’t see them or don’t give them the proper respect on the road. The truth of the matter is that these travelers have the same rights and follow the same laws as you and I. They should be treated that way, too.
Motorcycle Safety Tips from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT):
-Drive like drivers can’t see you. Make your presence known.
-Consider adhering reflective materials to your helmet. Make sure that it’s DOT-approved. That’s your most valuable piece of protective gear.
-When riding at night, wear bright-colored clothing.
-Be on the lookout in poor weather, traffic and adverse road conditions. Be sure to keep all of your attention on your surroundings.
-Always use your headlights while riding on the highway. You should always use your high beams rather than low beams.
-Avoid hiding in a driver’s blind spot, and always signal before making a move.
-Never weave between lanes.
-Never share a lane with a car.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident in Boston, Quincy or elsewhere in the state, contact Boston Injury Lawyer Jeffrey S. Glassman to schedule a free and confidential appointment to discuss your case. Call 877-617-5333.
More Blog Entries:
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Up After Nationwide Auto Accident Decrease, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, May 31, 2012
Fatal Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Rank State in Third Place, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, May 23, 2012