A ride on a motorcycle over the Labor Day weekend ended in tragedy in Ventura. A rider was killed after colliding with a vehicle Sunday morning. The VC Star reports the accident occurred in the northbound lanes of Highway 101 near the juncture with Highway 126 on September 5, 2021.
The California Highway Patrol and the Ventura County Fire Department responded to the scene around 11 a.m. Officers say a motorcycle collided with a passenger car and the impact claimed a motorcyclist’s life.
Further details about any other injured victims in the accident or the cause of the accident have not been released.
The accident took place along a stretch of road that saw heavy Labor Day traffic over the weekend. Traffic congestion was made worse by freeway construction that closed lanes and left traffic frequently backed up.
Motorcycle Accident Dangers in Ventura County
Ventura County provides a beautiful backdrop for a motorcycle ride, but, unfortunately, motorcyclists never get a break from the dangerous behavior of drivers. The relaxed and easy-going nature of a national holiday can translate to even more hazards on the roadway.
Popular getaway routes like Highway 101 can see increased lines of cars and, sadly, drivers can make even more mistakes on the road than usual. People trying to enjoy a few days off may make poor decisions and pay little attention to the lanes around them.
This lack of focus is especially dangerous for riders. Motorists are required to give a longer look out front windshields and in mirrors to spot the smaller profile of a motorcyclist. When they neglect this duty and proceed without proper eye checks for other vehicles, they can cause devastating accidents.
Overall in 2020, Ventura County recorded 248 motorcycle collisions. Those accidents resulted in 271 injuries and tragically cost 10 people their lives.
Many of these accidents are preventable if motorists would take a few more seconds to monitor the lanes before they make a lane switch, make a turn, or merge into traffic.
Seek Legal Advice?
After a tragic motorcycle accident, families must be allowed time to grieve. However, if someone was negligent or at fault for a crash that killed a motorcyclist, their insurer often starts working against the family immediately. If you suffer a serious injury, or a loved one is killed in a crash, be sure to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney in your area before talking to the insurer.
For additional information please feel free to see our page regarding California wrongful death claims, which explain families rights after a tragic loss.
If you’re an automobile driver, please stay educated and visit Look Twice Save a Life.
