Motorcycle Accidents

Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, New York City, NY

Defective Roadway Design Can Lead to Motorcycle Accidents

Government funding for our nation’s highways and roads is becoming squeezed as budgets are tightening these days. In terms of maintenance and renovation, this can lead to stretches of road that are badly in need of maintenance or repair. This poses a danger to motorcycling enthusiasts. A seemingly minor pothole or patch of loose gravel can pose serious problems. Another factor in motorcycle accidents is that some sections of roads can become slippery in rainy weather and need proper signage to warn motorcycle riders. All of these possibilities can lead to personal injury and even death.

Why Roadway Accidents Are Happening

Part of the financial shortcoming that leads to unsafe roads has to do with the fact that the state and local governments are responsible for the building and maintaining of roads and bridges. At the same time, the federal government historically has augmented this with additional funds. Sometimes, this isn’t always adequate and patches of road and highway fall into disrepair because of money delays.

 

Deficiencies To Look For On Roadways

1. Signage: Some may be misleading, damaged from either vandalism or weather—or missing altogether. Every potential hazard needs to be clearly marked by a sign. Another potential problem is created when road crews forget to remove temporary signs after performing maintenance.
2. Debris: Whether it’s something that fell off of a person’s truck or it’s excessive gravel and sand, these pose major threats to motorcyclists. Sand, for instance, can be spread on the street after a snowstorm to improve traction. But after the snow melts, this sand is now dangerous for motorcycling because it inhibits traction.
3. Dangerous intersections: Sometimes the right of way isn’t as clear as it should be, which creates all sorts of possible problems.
4. Railroad crossings: Sometimes, a sign indicating railroad crossing isn’t enough. Flashing lights and a cross arm that lowers when a train is passing may be needed.
5. Poor design: Sometimes, the overall layout is at fault. Curves may be too steep or not provide enough visibility. Grades can be uneven.

 

If you live in the New York City area and want to learn more about the legal resources available to you as a motorcycle rider, please contact the motorcycle accidents attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

 

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