Over the weekend, Kansas City lost one of its hero’s. A firefighter was killed while he was off duty riding his motorcycle. The accident took place at 89th and Troost when the bike collided with an SUV on Friday September 11th. The driver of the Range Rover told police that they failed to see a motorcyclist as they traveled southbound on Troost according to police reports.
I wish this tail was an uncommon story of the driver not seeing the motorcyclist. From 2011 to 2013 Missouri Department of Transportation reports that 255 people have been killed due to motorcycle accidents. 34 fatalities were from people that were in the age range of 21 to 25 years of age.
In that same time frame in Kansas 127 people were killed on motorcycles according to Kansas Department of Transportation.
We hear it time and time again where the driver of the larger vehicle are reported in police reports of not seeing the motorcyclist when involved in a motorcycle accident.
Castle Law Office's motorcycle attorneys has put together a few safety tips to help with that.
Get the Right Motorcycle Gear
Do not wear flip flops or any other open toed shoes on your feet while riding. Make sure you have boots or any other solid we constructed shoes on your feet.
Do not wear shorts. We understand it gets hot in the summer, but if you go down on your bike, you will lose all of your skin on your legs.
Be Seen While Riding Your Motorcycle
Make sure you have a visible helmet, jacket or bike. It is best to have an element of reflective gear on when you drive at night. Always ride with your high beam on during the daytime.
Wear a Helmet While Riding Your Bike
We understand that each state has their own helmet laws. Kansas does not require a helmet over the age of 17 while Missouri requires all riders to wear them. The fact of the matter is that a helmet can and does save lives. Wearing a helmet isn’t enough, make sure the helmet is the right kind of helmet and it fits properly. Check the Department of Transportation approved helmet list to make sure that the helmet will provide you with enough safety.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our brave Kansas City Firefighter. Please look twice for motorcycle riders.
One thing to keep in mind. If you are ever in an accident, get medical care immediately. After that, call Castle Law Office at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney. Or, you can email us and schedule your free consultation.
