Summertime is in full swing in Chicago. One long-held summertime American tradition is going for a ride in a car or on a motorcycle to enjoy the beautiful weather. But such pleasant moments can turn tragic in an instant. Oftentimes, other drivers fail to account for motorcycle riders on the road because of their reduced profile and agility.
One fatal motorcycle accident occurred last month in the South Loop. The motorcyclist was heading north on Michigan Avenue when a Chicago Transit Authority bus suddenly turned into his path and hit him. The bus was headed south and was attempting to turn left across northbound traffic when the crash happened.
Emergency responders rushed the accident victim to the hospital, where doctors were unsuccessful in trying to save his life. He died approximately seven hours after being struck by the bus. Law enforcement authorities indicated the bus driver bore some responsibility for the man’s death when they issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way to the motorcycle. It is not known how long the driver has been operating CTA buses.
All drivers have an obligation to operate their vehicles in a reasonable manner. Part of this obligation includes driving in such a way that a person notices and avoids accidents with reduced-profile objects, such as motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. They have a right to use the roads and cross the streets and they can use the civil law to hold negligent drivers responsible when they suffer injuries as the result of an accident.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “Roseland motorcyclist dies after CTA bus accident in Loop,” Rosemary R. Sobol, June 23, 2012.