Man Killed After Hitting Guardrail In Orange County

Motorcycles can be tricky to ride. They require good balance and skills. Without these attributes, riders run the risk of serious or even fatal accidents.

This happened to a rider on the afternoon of July 19. The 30-year-old Kissimmee man was killed after crashing in Orange County.

The fatal crash happened on Orange Avenue near Mary Louise Lane. The man was riding a Yamaha FJ-09 motorcycle southbound on Orange Avenue. As he went around a left-hand curve in the road, he lost control. The motorcycle veered in a southwest direction. It went onto the shoulder and hit a guardrail.

The rider was ejected from the vehicle. He died at the accident scene. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

When Motorcycles Hit Guardrails

Motorcycles may hit guardrails for various reasons. Common causes include the following:

• Excessive speed. Motorcyclists traveling too fast — especially around curves — may be unable to maintain control or safely navigate a turn. When this happens, riders may “overshoot” the curve and veer off the road. The motorcycle can slide out from under them, sending both rider and bike into a guardrail.
• Loss of control on curves. Even at legal speeds, curves are hazardous due to:
  • Improper cornering techniques (such as not leaning properly or braking mid-turn).
  • Downshifting or braking too hard, which can cause skidding or fishtailing.
  • Riders underestimating the tightness or banking of a curve.
• Wet or slippery roads. Rain, oil spills, loose gravel, and fallen leaves can reduce tire grip. A sudden loss of traction can cause a low-side crash (where the bike falls to the inside of the turn). The rider can slide uncontrollably into a guardrail.
• Obstacles or debris. Unexpected hazards like fallen branches, dead animals, and trash can cause a rider to swerve, lose balance, or crash directly into a guardrail while trying to avoid them.

When motorcycles hit guardrails, the consequences are often far more severe than for cars. That’s because guardrails are designed primarily to deflect or slow down cars, not motorcycles. This means riders who crash into them frequently suffer serious or fatal injuries.

One of the biggest issues is the lack of impact absorption for motorcyclists. Guardrails are made of steel and mounted on rigid posts. The guardrail doesn’t absorb impact the way a car’s crumple zone might. When a motorcyclist hits one, they may be ejected from the bike. The rider’s body can strike the rail, the posts, or the ground with great force.

The vertical posts and unprotected edges of guardrails can cause severe trauma, including amputations or decapitation. Even sliding into a guardrail can cause friction burns, fractures, or internal injuries.

There is some controversy over the design. Motorcyclist advocacy groups have long argued that standard guardrails are inherently unsafe for riders. Some areas have adopted motorcycle-friendly guardrails, which include lower rails or padding to reduce injury severity.

Contact Us Today

Curves can be tricky for motorcycles. Crashes can happen in an instant and don’t necessarily have to involve other motorists.

If you have been involved in a crash, get the legal help you need from the Kissimmee motorcycle accident lawyers at Draper Law Office. We understand these challenges and are dedicated to recovering a full and fair amount of compensation for injured riders. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (407) 743-6628.

Source:

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