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Increase in Accident Prevention Efforts on Angeles Crest Highway

The California Department of Transportation has just reopened the Angeles Crest Highway, a popular route for motorcyclists.  As more motorcyclists get on the accident-prone highway, the California Highway Patrol has announced an increase in enforcement on this particular route.

The Angeles Crest Highway offers motorcyclists a scenic ride, and has long been popular with bikers.  However, the highway with its sharp curves and steep cliffs can be rife with accident risks for motorcyclists.  The California Highway Patrol is advising motorcyclists this summer to take more care on the accident prone route.

The motorcycle safety enforcement initiative is being funded by a grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety.  The money will be used to step up enforcement against traffic violations by motorcyclists and drivers.  According to the California Highway Patrol, the Angeles Crest Highway has one of the highest accident rates in California.  State data shows that 164 motorcycle accidents occurred on one particular stretch of the highway from Starlight Crest Drive to Route 39 over a one-year period.  Eight of these accidents ended in fatalities.  Speeding, in fact, was a major factor in motorcycle accidents on the Angeles Crest Highway, accounting for more than 98 of the accidents.

A section of the highway was closed last year after mudslides washed away roads, rendering the highway unusable.  The section had been closed down for more than 18 months.  This week, California Department of Transportation officials reopened the section of highway that stretches between La Canada Flintridge and Angeles Crest Highway.

Motorcyclists heading to the highway must remember the steep risk of accidents.  Always ride within speed limits, and never ride recklessly.  Always wear a helmet while riding.  Ensure that the helmet is approved by the US Department Of Transportation for safety.  Wearing a helmet substantially reduces your risk of suffering a serious traumatic brain injury in an accident.  While it offers no guarantees against serious injury or death, wearing a helmet does offer substantial protection, and is highly recommended by Los Angeles personal injury lawyers.

Dress for motorcycling in brightly colored closing.  If you’re riding at night, wear reflective clothing.  Ensure that you are not in another driver’s blind spots.  The simple rule of thumb is this – if you can see yourself in the driver’s side view mirror, then he can see you.  If not, then he is unaware of your presence, and is at risk of colliding with your your motorcycle.

Drivers on the Angeles Crest Highway must now remember that they’re sharing the highway not just with other cars, but also more motorcyclists during the year’s peak motorcycle season.  Look out closely for motorcyclists, especially those that emerge from your blind spots.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of car accidents in Los Angeles. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire to discuss a personal injury matter,  you can reach us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

The Reeves Law Group is not representing any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

The Reeves Law Group
1800 Century Park East, Suite 600
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310) 254-9731

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