Two people in central Illinois were killed recently after their motorcycle crashed on Interstate 55. A 35-year-old and a 48-year-old were on the vehicle as it approached some slowing traffic, which was the result of another crash. They collided with another vehicle and both riders were killed. The police are still investigating the motorcycle accident, but unfortunately it seems to be as simple as it sounds.
Despite the tragic circumstances of this crash, we can still learn something from this story. First of all, it is important to remember that not all motorcyclists are daredevils that speed around the highway at unsafe speeds. That’s a stereotype that gets perpetuated, and the fact is that most motorcyclists — probably like the people involved in this story — are law-abiding citizens who enjoy a ride on a motorcycle instead of a ride in a car.
However, as motorcyclists are well aware, riding on a motorcycle is inherently dangerous because they are open vehicles that leave their riders far more susceptible to serious injury than other motor vehicles. That’s why drivers of other vehicles need to be alert and careful when motorcycles are near them — and, to bring it to our second point, motorcyclists need to be careful and safe as well.
It appears by initial reports that the motorcyclist in this case may not have adhered to this statement. The motorcyclist did not leave enough space between his vehicle and the upcoming traffic to stop in time.
Third and finally, if a motorcyclist is involved in a wreck that was caused by a negligent driver, they should consider a civil lawsuit to help them recoup critical finances that could go towards paying off their medical bills and rehabilitation costs.
Source: fox2now.com, “2 killed in weekend motorcycle accident identified,” Associated Press, July 7, 2014