Now that spring has finally sprung in Milwaukee, many people choose to enjoy it on their motorcycles. As many know, however, motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than other motorists. Even when they wear proper attire, including helmets, a car accident can leave a motorcyclist seriously injured if not worse. For the purpose of safety for all motorists, all drivers are required to adhere to traffic laws and drive cautiously.
Unfortunately, negligent driving led to a tragic motorcycle accident last weekend in Milwaukee. A motorcyclist was driving south on North Hopkins Avenue last Saturday when another driver heading north made a U-turn in his path. The two vehicles collided.
The 23-year-old motorcyclist was rushed to a hospital, but did not survive his injuries. So far, police have ruled out speed as a factor, but it is not clear if the U-turn the 60-year-old driver made was legal.
As police work to determine a cause of this tragic collision, it seems clear that at the very least, the driver failed to see the young motorcyclist before making a U-turn. Failing to see another motorist, however, is no excuse for causing an accident.
Motorcycles are allowed to be on the road just like other vehicles in Milwaukee, and all motorists are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and being aware of their surroundings. Unfortunately, this story shows how terrible the consequences of negligent driving can be. Hopefully other drivers will keep this in mind the next time they get behind the wheel. No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one because a driver failed to be attentive.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “Motorcyclist killed in traffic accident after other driver makes U-turn,” Georgia Pabst, May 4, 2013
