Driver Strikes Motorcyclist in Tragic Crash in Chattanooga, Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, TN- Newschannel9.com writes that a crash occurred late in the evening on Highway 58 in Chattanooga. The incident led to the death of a motorcyclist. According to reports, a Chevrolet Suburban made a turn from Highway 58 onto Jersey Pike and struck the northbound motorcycle. Responders rushed the motorcyclist to the hospital, where he later died. The investigation is still ongoing.*

Motorcycles face many risks that other drivers and vehicle occupants do not. These two-wheeled vehicles leave the riders in a much more vulnerable situation in the event of a crash. Motorcycles do not have airbags, seat belts, or an outer shell to protect them. One of the greatest risks to motorcyclists, though, is other drivers. 

Drivers frequently overlook motorcycles and enter their paths, cutting off the smaller vehicles and putting the riders in peril. The smaller size of motorcycles makes them more difficult to see and more likely to end up in a blind spot. Because of the additional risks to motorcyclists, these riders are about 28 times more likely to be killed in a crash as an occupant in a passenger car would be. 

When it comes to staying safe, motorcyclists ought to always wear a helmet as it reduces the risk of death and brain injuries. Motorcyclists can also increase the likelihood of other motorists seeing them by wearing bright clothing, reflective gear, and always using their headlight when it is dark or in bad weather. Drivers must learn to share the road with motorcyclists and vulnerable road users. However, since it is their lives on the line, motorcyclists should take every step they can to decrease the risks they face when sharing roadways with other much larger vehicles. 

Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes.  To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.

Sources:

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/motorcycle-accident-on-highway-58

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety

https://www.rideapart.com/articles/254912/10-common-motorcycle-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them/