Motorcycle accidents increase by 18% in Indiana

The News and Tribune has reported an increase in the number of motorcycle accidents on Clark County and Floyd County roadways. Since 2005, accidents are up 18% in Indiana, with a total of 2,400 accidents thus far this year. A Clark County sheriff stated that the most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a car or truck pulls out in front of a motorcycle driver and fails to yield the right of way, thus causing a collision.

Cars and trucks often fail to yield the right of way to motorcycle drivers simply because motorcycles are not easily visible. However, all drivers have a duty to maintain a heightened sense of awareness toward the motorcycles and mopeds that share our roadways.

Remember, if a driver causes an accident by failing to yield the right of way to a motorcycle, the law will not recognize the driver’s "failure to see the motorcycle" as an acceptable defense.