Motorcyclist Killed After Subaru Makes U-Turn

When cars and trucks are traveling on the roadways in Florida, their drivers are not always looking for smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. When drivers are making turns, they are prone to hitting motorcycles and causing serious or even fatal accidents.

Sadly, this recently happened in Hudson. A man was making a U-turn when he hit a motorcycle, killing the rider.

The fatal accident happened on the afternoon of January 27 at the intersection of US-19 and Jessup Lane. A 76-year-old man from Spring Hill was driving a Subaru. He was attempting to make a U-turn when he entered the path of a motorcycle heading north.

The impact of the crash killed the 21-year-old motorcyclist. The driver of the Subaru suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Dangers of U-Turns

U-turns can be risky maneuvers, especially in busy areas. Here are some key dangers to keep in mind:

• Limited visibility. Oncoming traffic may be hard to see due to curves, hills, or obstructions. Other drivers may not anticipate your turn, increasing the risk of collisions.
• High-speed traffic. Performing a U-turn in areas with fast-moving vehicles can be dangerous, as accelerating quickly to match the speed of traffic is challenging.
• Misjudging distance and speed. Drivers often miscalculate the time needed to complete the turn safely, leading to near misses or crashes.
• Multiple lanes to cross. Some roads have multiple lanes, making it harder to find a safe gap in traffic.
• Pedestrian and cyclist hazards. U-turns can be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, who might be crossing at intersections or crosswalks.
• Confusion for other drivers. Some drivers may not expect a U-turn and might rear-end or sideswipe a vehicle attempting one.
• Slippery or poor road conditions. Wet, icy, or uneven roads can cause vehicles to lose control while turning sharply.

Because U-turns can be dangerous, here are some ways to do it safely:

• Be sure that the path is clear. There should be no pedestrians in the crosswalk and approaching vehicles should be more than 200 feet away.
• Turn on your left turn signal.
• Move forward while keeping your foot on the brake.
• Keep your car in the right side of your lane so you can easily swing to the left.
• After clearing the divider or median, turn your steering wheel as far left as you can.
• Accelerate slightly once you turn.
• Resume normal speed after completing the turn.

Seek Help for Your Car Accident Case

U-turns and other maneuvers can cause serious accidents if drivers aren’t careful. They need to be aware of smaller vehicles such as motorcycles.

The Dade City & Zephyrhills auto accident attorneys from Madonna Law can assist you after a crash. A car accident can cause severe physical, emotional, and financial effects. Our law firm will see that your rights are protected and give you peace of mind. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (800) 557-0411.

Source:

pasconewsonline.com/fhp-u-turn-leads-to-fatal-motorcycle-crash-on-us-19-in-hudson/article_a2183db8-dcf9-11ef-9b47-e3f478eec7e1.html