Sunday, July 7th, a 20-year-old active duty Marine died when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a vehicle in Oceanside.
According to police, the accident occurred just before 8 pm near North River Road and Douglas Drive. The driver of a Volkswagen Passat was traveling northbound on Douglas Drive when they turned left into a gas station. Sargent Clint Bussey said that as the Volkswagen turned left, the motorcyclist, heading south on Douglas Drive, hit the car’s right fender. The collision caused the motorcyclist to be ejected from his motorcycle. He later died at the scene.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a 64-year-old woman from Carlsbad, stayed on the scene and offered her cooperation to investigators. Police do not believe drugs or alcohol to be a factor in the collision.
Causes of Motorcycle vs Vehicle Collisions
Collisions between motorcycles and vehicles can have dire consequences due to the inherent vulnerability of motorcyclists compared to vehicle occupants. The significant difference in size and weight between a car and a motorcycle frequently results in severe injuries for the motorcyclist, and in some cases, can be fatal.
Some causes of collisions between motorcycles and vehicles include:
- Left-Turn Accidents – when a vehicle turning left at an intersection or driveway fails to notice an oncoming motorcycle, leading to a collision.
- Blind Spots – motorcycles are smaller and can easily be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spots, making it crucial for drivers to check thoroughly before changing lanes.
- Lane Splitting – motorcyclists riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic can lead to accidents if vehicles do not anticipate their presence.
- Speeding – excessive speed, either by the motorcycle or the vehicle, reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Distracted Driving – both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers engaging in activities that divert their attention from the road can lead to accidents
- Failure to Yield – drivers failing to yield the right of way to motorcyclists can cause serious accidents, especially at intersections.
- Poor Road Conditions – potholes, debris, and uneven road surfaces can be more hazardous to motorcyclists, leading to loss of control.
- Adverse Weather Conditions – weather conditions such as rain, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the risk of accidents for motorcyclists.
Safety Tips to Help Reduce the Risk of Collisions on the Road
To enhance safety and reduce the risk of collisions between motorcycles and vehicles, consider the following safety tips:
- Stay alert and avoid distractions
- Check blind spots
- Use turn signals
- Maintain a safe following distance
- Be cautious at intersections
- Avoid sudden lane changes
- Adhere to posted speed limits
- Be mindful of weather conditions and adjust accordingly
“A fatal accident of any kind is traumatic, but is particularly tragic in cases where someone is taken at such a young age.” Gerald Singleton, attorney at Singleton Schreiber, says, “Having handled thousands of cases as a personal injury attorney, I’ve witnessed the profound emotional and financial toll such a loss can take on families. It is essential for this man’s family, and others in similar situations, to understand that they could have legal options and may want to consider consulting with a personal injury attorney to explore their rights and potential actions.”
If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, you may have legal recourse. To learn more about the options available to you, contact the San Diego motorcycle accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber today by calling (619) 771-3473 or emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
