Biker Severely Injured In Hollister Motorcycle Accident

An accident involving a motorcycle on highway 156 near Hollister, severely injured the biker. According to California Highway Patrol, a motorist crashed his bike into the back of the truck. The biker was eastbound on highway 156. Traffic was slowing down, and he couldn't stop the bike in time. The biker was thrown off the motorcycle, and was severely injured. He was airlifted to a Bay Area hospital.

There is no information yet on the speed of the motorcycle at the time of the accident. Often accidents involving bikes can be traced to negligence by motorists. In other cases, a motorcyclist may be driving unsafely causing an accident.

A motorcycle can be a dangerous machine when used recklessly, and unfortunately, not too many motorcyclists are aware that they are driving in a manner that increases the risk of an accident. Motorcycle enthusiasts love the freedom that a bike offers, and the ability to zip between cars and through heavy traffic, quickly and easily. However, a motorcycle rider must realize that they may not always be in the field of vision of a driver ahead of them. This makes it harder for the motorist to avoid hitting the motorcyclist.

Motorcycle riders must also drive at safe speed. Riding down the highway at high speeds may seem thrilling, but impact with a stationary or moving vehicle or object at high speeds, can throw a motorcyclist several feet away. Riders may face severe injuries, including head injuries. Motorcyclists must also drive carefully in poor weather when it becomes harder for other motorists to notice the bike.

Very often, accidents occur because of defective design of roadways that makes it harder for motorists to spot motorcyclists. Roads may not be maintained properly, and road surfaces may contribute to skidding. Motorcyclists may also be at risk for an accident when there are not enough signs warning of sharp curves ahead. There may also be inadequate lighting that can impact a biker's driving abilities at night, and raise the risk of a motorcycle accident.

Motorcycle fatality rates continue to worry California motorcycle accident lawyers. Increasing education through awareness campaigns can help reduce these accident rates. However, the demographics for motorcyclists have changed dramatically over the past decade, making it harder to target safety initiatives properly. Earlier, motorcyclists tended to be younger drivers. However, the motorcyclist population these days comprises heavily of older motorcyclists, above the age of 50.

Motorcyclists can take steps to ensure a safe ride.

Drive at safe speeds.
Avoid tailgating, and keep sufficient distance between the motorcycle and the vehicle in front.
Avoid sudden braking or abrupt braking that may lead to a loss of control over the motorcycle.
Always wear an approved helmet. Wearing a helmet may not absolutely guarantee that they are no injuries or fatalities in the accident, but can reduce the risk of an injury or fatality significantly.
Avoid reckless driving and stunts. It not only increases the risk of an accident, but also annoys motorists who then become aggressive towards you.