Motorcycle DUI Puts Everyone At Risk

Whenever a drunk driver gets behind the wheel, he puts people at risk. Most of the time, people associate the dangers of driving under the influence with people piloting automobiles. But motorcycle drivers can be just as dangerous as car drivers when they have a drink and still choose to operate a vehicle.

Though motorcycles lack the size and weight of passenger vehicles, motorcycle drunk driving still poses major safety risks in a variety of ways, including:

• The cyclist losing control of the vehicle and crashing into a tree or other obstruction
• The cyclist losing control of the vehicle and striking another vehicle
• The cyclist driving erratically, forcing other cars to swerve or perform other dangerous driving maneuvers to avoid a crash with the motorcyclist, thereby increasing the risk of colliding with other vehicles

Motorcyclists need to be aware of other vehicles to remain safe on the road. Observing potential blind spots and reacting quickly to other drivers is key to avoiding accidents. But a cyclist who is under the influence cannot react as quickly and is less observant of the patterns of traffic and blind spots.

Recognizing when a motorcyclist is impaired can be difficult. Some bikers drive aggressively in the best of situations, so determining whether a particular maneuver is because the rider is in a hurry or under the influence can be difficult. Drivers should always give other erratic drivers as much space as possible given the conditions of the road. This is true whether the erratic driver is in a car or on a motorcycle.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, and you expect drunk driving played a role, please reach out to an experienced attorney. A qualified lawyer can help insure a full investigation takes place.