During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, drivers must stay alert
As temperatures rise and motorcycles return to Connecticut's roads, the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli urge drivers to take responsibility for keeping motorcyclists safe. May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It’s a time to highlight a simple but vital truth: motorcyclists are vulnerable, and your choices behind the wheel could mean life or death.
Distracted driving puts motorcyclists at risk
According to a report on Fox61.com, Bob Manley, a former motorcyclist from Connecticut, recently gave up riding because he no longer feels safe. His reason? Distracted drivers. He’s especially concerned about phone distractions.
"I don't want to take the risk on the road nowadays with a lot of these people on their cell phones," Manley told Fox61. His concerns echo those of many riders who love the open road but fear inattentive drivers won't see them until it's too late.
Conn. State Police agree. According to the Fox61 news report, Sgt. Luke Davis emphasized that motorcycles are less visible than passenger vehicles and require drivers to stay alert, especially during the busy spring and summer months.
What should drivers do to keep motorcyclists safe?
If you're driving a passenger vehicle, you have a legal and moral obligation to drive responsibly. That means:
- Put the phone down – No text or notification is worth someone's life.
- Look twice – Before changing lanes or turning, check mirrors and blind spots carefully.
- Give motorcycles room – Don't tailgate; motorcycles can stop faster than cars.
- Stay calm and patient – Don't try to "beat" a motorcycle at an intersection.
- Report reckless driving – Call 911 if you witness dangerous behavior on the road.
Common motorcycle accident injuries
Because motorcycle riders have relatively little protection compared to people in cars, a rider or passenger on a bike can face serious injuries in a crash. Common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders in accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Often caused by head impacts. Even with a helmet, the force of impact from a crash can cause a concussion and other serious head injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries – Can result in partial or full paralysis.
- Broken bones and fractures – Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are especially vulnerable.
- Road rash – Severe skin abrasions that can lead to infection and permanent scarring.
- Internal injuries – Damage to organs caused by blunt force trauma.
- Amputations – Loss of limbs due to severe crush injuries or surgical necessity.
- Facial injuries – Including fractures, dental damage, and eye trauma.
- Psychological trauma – PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after serious crashes.
How our motorcycle lawyers hold negligent drivers accountable
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, our Connecticut motorcycle accident lawyers have seen firsthand how devastating these crashes can be. When a driver's careless or reckless behavior causes a crash that results in injuries or fatalities, they can and should be held legally responsible. Our firm aggressively pursues compensation for injured riders and their families.
Negligence behind the wheel has consequences, and we're here to make sure those responsible are held accountable.
Injured in a Connecticut motorcycle crash? Our attorneys can help.
During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, let's all commit to safer roads for everyone.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Connecticut motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, don't wait. Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli today. We'll fight to protect your rights, investigate your case, and demand the justice and compensation you deserve.
"I'd like to thank the folks over at Mark E. Salmone & Morelli, specifically Kinsley C. and Steve, who were on the frontline moving the ball and putting that work in involving my case. They were very pleasant to work with. They communicated very well, kept me informed, and helped me keep a positive outlook throughout the entire process of receiving my settlement. Thank you!!" — Rocko W., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐