One sign of spring is the number of motorcycles increases on local roads. Many people wait in anticipation for the first warm days to get their bike on the road after the chilly winter months. With more motorcycles on the road, the danger of Kansas City motorcycle accidents increase especially as other motorists may not yet expect to see bikes.
A recent area accident has highlighted the dangers associated with riding. A 45-year-old man and 13-year-old girl were killed when he lost control of his motorcycle on Interstate 35 in Kansas City. The young teen’s mother reported that she had no knowledge of the ride. The mother explained that she would not have let her daughter get on the bike had she known.
Safety Tips as Season Kicks Off
Four million motorcycles are currently registered around the country. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and their riders must drive defensively. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends several things that drivers can do to increase safety.
The NHTSA reports that 33 percent of all accidents involve unlicensed or improperly licensed drivers. Thus, anyone who plans to operate a motorcycle or dirt bike should take the proper training courses to ensure they are aware how to properly operate the machines.
The State of Missouri requires that anyone who drives a motorcycle have a Class M license or instruction permit.
Motorcycle riders of all abilities must pay close attention to their surroundings. Intersections are the most common place for accidents and must be navigated carefully. Riders should always try to remain visible to other vehicles and try to avoid other vehicle’s blind spots while passing on highways.
Riders need to be more cautious when the weather turns stormy or when driving through construction zones. Wet roadways often become slick and construction zones may have loose gravel and dirt that make stopping more treacherous.
Source: KMBC.com, “Man, Teen Killed In Motorcycle Crash Identified,” Mar. 19, 2012.
