Memphis Motorcycle Accident Attorney Reminds Riders to Avoid Mixing Alcohol with Riding Fast

By Thomas Greer | December 16, 2014

If ever there were a combination of factors that exponentially increases motorcycle accident risk, it would be speed and alcohol. A quick search of the internet for news articles about motorcycle accidents turns up many stories of riders who crashed not only because they were going too fast, but also because they had consumed alcohol before operating their motorcycles.

Some motorcycle accidents in which high speed and alcohol consumption are known or are suspected to have been involved are fatal. Often, these accidents do not involve other vehicles besides the motorcycle. A recent fatal crash in Norfolk, Virginia occurred when a young man lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a tree. An investigation of the accident revealed that speed was a likely factor in the wreck, and that further investigation would be needed to determine whether alcohol consumption was also a factor.

Early this past September, speed and alcohol contributed to another fatal single-vehicle motorcycle accident. The rider lost control as he rode through a turn, and his motorcycle struck a brick mailbox as it went off of the road. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Another fatal motorcycle-only accident occurred in Winslow, Maine this past September. Speed and alcohol are believed to have contributed to the crash. This particular accident also involved a rider who was wearing a helmet. While helmets do help to protect riders from head injuries during some falls or accidents, they are sometimes not enough to save a rider’s life. The rider who was involved in this accident was seriously injured and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Single-vehicle accidents are not the only type of motorcycle crash that can happen when speed and alcohol are involved. This past September, a collision on a freeway in Hawaii critically injured two riders when one of them lost control of his bike and crossed two lanes of traffic that were traveling in the same directions. The rider fell off of his bike and into the roadway, where he was struck by the other rider, who was unable to avoid colliding with him.

When motorcycles, speed, and alcohol are mixed together, there is the potential for serious injury or death. Riding a motorcycle safely requires skill and concentration. Consuming alcohol has been shown to slow riders’ reaction times and speed reduces the amount of time that riders have available to respond to changing conditions on the road, including turns and the presence of other vehicles. Alcohol also reduces the ability to make good judgments, and it can lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviors such as riding at high speeds. If you were injured or someone that you love was killed in a motorcycle accident involving speed and alcohol, get help from an experienced Memphis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys right away. The attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC will dedicate their energy to pursuing the results that you deserve. To learn more, call us today, at 901-680-9777.

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