Left turns present some of the most dangerous situations on Maryland roads. When compounded with nighttime driving, the operators of any vehicles may be rightfully concerned for their safety when other vehicles are making left turns. Maryland motorcyclists are even more threatened in these situations, as their vehicles can be harder to see, and the consequences of a crash are often more severe. A tragic crash earlier this month killed a motorcyclist after a driver failed to yield the right of way when making a left turn on a Southern Maryland highway.
According to a local news report discussing the accident, a 73-year-old man was driving a pickup truck on MD Route 6 and performed a left hand turn onto a smaller road near the town of La Plata. The 18-year old victim, who was operating a motorcycle on Route 6 in the opposite direction, crashed his bike into the pickup truck after the older man failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic while performing the turn. First responders were called to the scene and first aid was rendered as the victim was transported to a nearby hospital, but the medical professionals were unable to save the man and he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The article notes that driver error appears to be the cause of the crash, and no mention was made that drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash.
How Dangerous Is Driving a Motorcycle in Maryland?
Maryland motorcyclists have always been at an elevated risk of being seriously injured or killed while using the roads in our state. This increased danger causes many motorcyclists to use enhanced safety equipment while riding their bikes, but some serious injuries cannot be prevented, even by the most advanced safety equipment. The bottom line is, Maryland motorcycle riders have just as much right to travel safely on our roads as any other drivers. When a negligent driver causes an accident that seriously injures or kills a motorcyclist, they must be held accountable for the damages caused by their mistakes.