The feel of the open road, the sense of freedom, and the thrill of speed can make motorcycling an attractive mode of transportation and recreation. However, motorcycle riding also comes with increased risks compared to driving a car. Motorcycle riders lack the protection of a metal enclosure, airbags, and other safety features standard in automobiles. This makes motorcyclists more vulnerable to injuries in the event of an accident. Certain locations can pose unique challenges to safely operating a motorcycle. The city of Long Beach, California is one such place.
Heavy Traffic and Congestion
With a population of nearly half a million, Long Beach is the seventh largest city in California. It is part of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. As such, many areas of Long Beach experience extremely heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hour periods. Motorcyclists must contend with dense packs of vehicles, frequent stop-and-go conditions, and drivers constantly changing lanes. Maintaining adequate spacing from other motorists is difficult. Distracted or impatient car and truck drivers may fail to notice a motorcycle rider sharing their lane in crowded freeway traffic. Sudden movements by surrounding vehicles can leave a motorcyclist with little room to maneuver while navigating through congested roadways.
Frequency of Automobile Accidents
With so many vehicles occupying limited road space, accidents are common in Long Beach. According to statistics from the Long Beach Police Department, the city sees over 15,000 reported traffic collisions each year. Rear-end crashes are the most prevalent type of accident due to heavy traffic and vehicles following closely. Sideswipes and lane change accidents also frequently occur. Automobile drivers often fail to spot motorcyclists, especially in the blind spots around their vehicles. For a motorcyclist, even a seemingly minor fender bender collision with a car or truck can result in ejection from the bike and catastrophic injuries. Motorcycle riders must constantly be alert to sudden stops or lane changes by nearby vehicles around them when riding in Long Beach.
Complex Road Infrastructure
Long Beach features an intricate network of major routes, highways, interchanges, and intersections. Many areas have multiple lanes and complex exit/entrance ramp systems. For example, the interchange of the 405, 710 and 91 freeways located on the northern edge of the city contains a maze of crisscrossing lanes and traffic merging on and off from all directions. Navigating such environments demands a high level of skill and concentration from motorcycle riders. Mistakes can easily lead to being caught in the wrong lane or cut off suddenly by faster moving vehicles. The intricacy of Long Beach’s roads leaves little room for error by motorcyclists.
Minimal Motorcycle Lanes or Markings
Unlike some other California cities, Long Beach has very few roads with designated motorcycle lanes and markings. Busy surface streets do not separate automobiles and motorcycles into different travel lanes. At busy intersections, there are no specific turn lanes or stop line positions reserved for motorcycles. This forces motorcycle riders to constantly mingle with automobile traffic. If other vehicles fail to notice and make room for a motorcycle, there is little separation to protect the rider. The lack of designated motorcycle infrastructure may also lead car and truck drivers to be less aware of the presence of bikes on the road around them.
Large Truck Traffic
The Port of Long Beach is one of America’s busiest seaports. Heavy truck traffic runs throughout the city and surrounding highways, transporting shipping containers to and from the harbor. These large tractor trailers take up multiple lanes of roadway. Their massive size and numerous blind spots pose added risks to motorcycle riders navigating around them. Truck drivers must be especially diligent to check for motorcycles in their vicinity when making lane changes, merges, or turns. For motorcyclists, passing long trucks also reduces visibility of the upcoming road ahead. The prevalence of big rigs on Long Beach streets and highways is a major consideration for motorcycle safety.
Tourists Unfamiliar with the Area
Long Beach draws over 6 million visitors every year. A popular tourist destination, it sees many drivers behind the wheel who do not know the local roads. They may drive slower while searching for unfamiliar exits and landmarks, or make sudden lane changes out of confusion. For motorcyclists, tourist drivers can be unpredictable in their movements. Visitors gawking at sights may inadvertently veer into an adjacent lane occupied by a passing motorcycle. Riders must exercise additional caution around out-of-town cars and rental vehicles. Allowing extra following distance and limiting time spent in their blind spots can help compensate for tourists who are distracted or lost.
Dangers to Novice Riders
Due to the subtropical climate of Southern California, riding a motorcycle can be appealing all year long. However, the complex traffic environment and congested roads of Long Beach make it a challenging location for novice riders to gain experience. Rookies still developing fundamental motorcycle handling skills face amplified risks negotiating through busy urban traffic. Sudden maneuvers needed to avoid cars or trucks can easily exceed the capabilities of a beginner motorcyclist. Even routine actions like changing lanes, merging onto highways, or parking require greater proficiency than expected of new riders. Until an adequate skill level is achieved, inexperienced motorcyclists should take additional precautions when riding in high-traffic areas around Long Beach and have the number of a Long Beach motorcycle accident attorney at hand.
Staying Safe on Long Beach Streets and Highways
For motorcyclists navigating the streets of Long Beach, remaining constantly alert and exercising defensive riding techniques is a must. Allowing extra following distance from other vehicles provides a cushion for sudden braking. Proactively watching for lane changes by nearby cars helps avoid being surrounded or cut off. Seeking out uncongested side roads helps reduce traffic exposure in dense urban areas. Wearing high-visibility gear and using headlights during daytime riding makes motorcyclists more noticeable in heavy traffic. Avoiding distractions like mobile devices helps keep vision focused on the road ahead. Lastly, gaining advanced rider training and experience goes a long way toward handling the riding challenges unique to Long Beach.
While motorcycles provide excitement, freedom and convenience on the roads, their lack of safety features leaves riders vulnerable in accidents. The traffic density, road complexity, and other conditions in Long Beach amplify the risks for motorcyclists. Remaining constantly diligent and practicing defensive riding techniques are essential to prevent motorcycle collisions and injuries on city streets.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, our team is highly experienced at representing motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers. We provide expert counsel to victims of traffic accidents across the Long Beach area. For a free consultation on your potential case, call Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946). A motorcycle accident lawyer Long Beach is standing by to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
