Since 1940, Myrtle Beach’s Bike Week Spring Rally has drawn thousands of motorists to the Grand Strand. Historically, that increase in visitors to the city has unfortunately correlated with an increase in county arrests and motor vehicle accidents. With the 2016 Bike Week in full swing, motorcycle accidents likely will be on the rise.
In 2015, there were 136 motorcyclist deaths on South Carolina roads. According to the City of Myrtle Beach, there were 48 total arrests, 14 motor vehicle accidents, and 1 accident involving a motorcycle in 2015 during Spring Bike Week. Those numbers showed a marked decrease from 2014 which reported 53 arrests and 23 motor vehicle accidents, 3 involving motorcycles.
This year, Horry County has stated that they plan to increase police presence, and will place barriers to separate vehicular traffic from pedestrian traffic among other things. They have also issued tips for motorists participating in the festivities. They recommend:
Group Meetups
- Motorcycle riders are encouraged to meet with their riding group to determine route plans, rest stops, lead and tail riders and a plan for the possibility of a group member being separated from the group.
Proper Riding Formations
- Motorists should ride in a staggered formation allowing sufficient space between riders unless traveling on a single lane road, in which case motorists should be in single-formation. Novice riders should remain in the center of the formation and all motorists are encouraged to check their mirrors periodically to ensure riding neighbors do not fall behind.
Proper Passenger Carry
- Novice riders should not carry passengers and those experienced riders who do carry passengers are recommended to ride on the right side. Additionally, those with passengers in a sidecar should ride near the front or rear of the group.
No Alcohol Consumption Before Rides
- Under no circumstance should motorists allow themselves or a member of their group to consume alcohol and travel.
Use of Proper Hand Signals
- Motorists should familiarize themselves with the proper hand signals to communicate with others on the road.
Vigilant Non-Motorcyclists
- Those motorists traveling through the area by car are encouraged to be very aware of riders sharing the road and drive with caution.
Additionally, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the motorcycle laws in South Carolina which can be viewed here.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident involving a motorcycle, contact the personal injury lawyers at Yarborough Applegate.
Yarborough Applegate attorneys Douglas Jennings and Liam Duffy recently secured a $2.75 million settlement for a motorcyclist who was injured after a driver struck him while making a turn across oncoming traffic.
At Yarborough Applegate, we have seen firsthand just how tragic a motorcycle accident can be. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have stood by many victims and their families, helping them navigate the aftermath of the wreck and fighting to secure the compensation they deserve.
A 68-year-old man suffered a severe brain injury in 2014 after a pallet of grass sod fell off a trailer and caused a multi-car crash. Attorney William Applegate of Yarborough Applegate was able to secure a $6.05M settlement for the man and his family.
After a day of drinking on Shem Creek and in downtown Charleston, our client’s intoxicated girlfriend crashed head-on into another vehicle as he slept in the back seat of the car.
Yarborough Applegate recently secured a $10 million settlement for a woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle in a pedestrian crosswalk.
After a UTV rollover left one teenage girl dead and another seriously injured, Yarborough Applegate secured a $10 million settlement on behalf of the two victims and their families.