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Roads built for cars present hazards for motorcycles

Posted by Robert T. Karns | Feb 21, 2016 | 0 Comments

While the United States has a very extensive and functional highway and road system, our thoroughfares are primarily constructed to accommodate cars, trucks and other large vehicles. This makes sense as these vehicles represent the highest percentage of traffic.

However, road conditions are far from optimum for those who travel by motorcycle. In some cases, American roads provide motorcyclists with extremely treacherous terrain.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation believes that there should be improvements made to help make our roads safer for motorcyclists. The group has issued a statement to that effect. Here are some of the issues addressed in that statement:

  • Roadside barriers, created to help spare cars and their occupants from damage and injuries, are actually extremely dangerous for motorcyclists.
  • Metal road surface components, such as manhole covers, can become very slick and dangerous when wet, offering no traction for motorcycles.
  • Debris on a roadway is significantly more hazardous to motorcycles than it is to cars, trucks and other large vehicles.
  • There has been an increased use of certain kinds of road repair materials, such as rubberized asphalt sealer, which compromises the traction of motorcycles.

These are just four of the hazards pointed out by the MSF. The group expresses its belief in the need to design, build and maintain roads that provide safe conditions for motorcycles.

Hopefully, one day there will be a concerted effort made to construct roads that are more motorcycle-friendly. As it stands, state and local governments have a duty to keep the roads as safe as possible. Unfilled potholes and other hazards can easily cause a motorcyclist to take a hard spill.

If you have been injured due to an unrepaired road, a motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help you get compensation for your medical expenses. The attorney can investigate your accident to help determine liability and then advise you on the best way to pursue a claim.

About the Author

Robert T. Karns

Founding Attorney

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