• 07
  • October
    2011

There is no way around it. Every motorist, whether they are driving a sedan, SUV or motorcycle, deserves to feel safe on Alabama roads. Despite traffic laws and officials' attempts at creating safer roads, the ability to improve traffic safety generally rests within the hands of drivers.

Attention to all drivers out there: You are legally obligated to stop if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident -- even if you don't have insurance. Lack of insurance is not the fault of the person you might have hit and injured. Yesterday, a motorcycle accident victim was left at the scene of a crash and authorities are now looking for the liable hit-and-run driver.

Accidents involving motorcycle riders are extremely dangerous. A bike's collision with a large vehicle can often lead to traumatic and fatal injuries. Motorcycle accidents are more likely to be fatal for riders than the average car accident is for a driver in a car. Sure, bikers can try to protect themselves by wearing helmets, but helmets don't address the root of the traffic safety problem.

Yesterday, a motorcyclist in Huntsville was hit by a car and then left at the scene with critical injuries. Reports don't yet indicate whether the hit-and-run driver was speeding or violating another traffic law when the crash occurred, but we know that reckless driving is the root cause of motorcycle crash injuries, not the lack of wearing a helmet.

Authorities continue to investigate the severe accident as the crash victim fights toward recovery. If officials apprehend the suspect, the victim would at least have the opportunity to see that the driver responsible for his or her critical injuries doesn't get away with carelessness without facing any legal hurdles.

Source

Al.com: "Motorcyclist critical after hit-and-run accident in Huntsville," Kim Albright, Oct. 6, 2011