Macoupin County, Illinois – Motorcyclist Critically Injured When Car Failed to Yield at Stop Sign

On Tuesday morning, near Mount Olive in Macoupin County, motorcyclist, Lamar Tony D. Anderson, 21, of Raymond, Illinois., collided with another vehicle at approximately 9:10 a.m. as he was traveling south on Old Route 66.

According to Illinois State Police, Anderson was approaching the intersection of Wolf Road when the driver of an eastbound Buick failed to yield at a stop sign and pulled out in front of the moving motorcycle.

Anderson reportedly lost control of his bike as he tried to stop, crashing into the car.  He was transported to St. Louis University Medical Center by helicopter. On Wednesday Anderson was listed in critical condition.

The driver of the Buick, Lois J. Mihelcic, 76, of Mount Olive was not injured and was cited for failure to yield at an intersection.

Share the Road With Motorcyclists

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a campaign called “Share the Road” to increase driver awareness of motorcycles.

According the latest data from the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 5 times more likely to be injured in a car crash and 25 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a traffic accident. Motorcyclists account for 13% of all traffic-related fatalities, yet the number of motorcycles on the road has continued to climb. In 2009, there were nearly 8 million motorcycles registered in the United States.

Motorcycle safety is something that bikers must take seriously to avoid accidents and injuries, but data reveals that the larger problem really involves awareness of motorcycles by other passenger vehicles.

·      40% of motorcycle accidents occur when vehicles turning left do not see a motorcycle proceeding through an intersection or passing another vehicle.

·      27% of accidents involving motorcycles occur when both vehicles are going straight.

Motorcyclists should take measures to make themselves more visible to drivers of other vehicles, but other drivers also need to increase their awareness of motorcycles on the road.

Motorcycle Awareness – Safety Guidelines for Drivers

·      Be aware that road conditions such as grooved pavement, pavement seams, potholes, gravel, railroad crossings and wet or slippery surfaces can pose major hazards to motorcyclists.  Allow them extra time and driving space under such circumstances.

·      Never share lane space with a motorcycle.

·      Always use signals when changing lanes or merging with traffic.

·      Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous.  When you’re behind the wheel, focus on the road and your surroundings.

·      Always carefully check your mirrors and blind spots at intersections and before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.

·      The same rights and rules of the road apply to motorcycles as to any other vehicle.

·      Due to their smaller size, be careful when judging the speed and distance of motorcycles.

·      Give motorcycles time to proceed before trusting the indication of a bike’s turn signals.

·      Always allow more following distance when driving behind a motorcycle (at least 3 or 4 seconds).  In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars and the rider also needs enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

The number of motorcycle-related traffic accidents can be reduced through driver awareness.  Please drive carefully and share the road.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle traffic accident, contact Lieser Law Firm for legal guidance.