Motorcycle Collision: Effect of an Alleged Obstructed Stop Sign

,

Steven M. Schorr, PE ::::

Synopsis:  A motorcycle was traveling southbound on a two-lane, two-direction roadway approaching a T-type intersection with a four-lane roadway.  The motorcycle operator (plaintiff) failed to stop at the posted stop sign, and entered the four-lane roadway where he was involved in a collision with a westbound vehicle.  The motorcycle operator testified he was traveling at the posted speed limit of 35 mph as he approached the intersection; but, due to the stop sign being obstructed, perceived the traffic control at the last instant and did not have sufficient time and distance to stop prior to entering the four-lane roadway.  The plaintiff contended that tree branches obstructed the stop sign and therefore sued the State [the governing authority for the roadway], as well as the owner of the property on which the tree was located.  The area of the collision was reportedly changed by the time suit was filed.  The plaintiff provided no specific “hard copy” data, including photographs or measurements, to establish the obstruction or the extent of the obstruction.  Instead, the plaintiff/motorcycle operator relied on the testimony of other vehicle operators riding with him to establish that the stop sign was “obstructed”.  There was physical evidence, a skid mark from the motorcycle, that the plaintiff relied upon to argue that he did eventually see the stop sign and that he braked to try and avoid entering the four-lane roadway.

Engineering Analysis of the skid mark from the motorcycle established that, based on the motorcycle operator’s own testimony as to how he braked, the motorcycle was traveling almost 50 mph at the beginning of the skid mark, and not at the operator’s testified speed of 35.mph.  Further, engineering analysis established that had the plaintiff been traveling 35mph when he perceived and reacted prior to leaving the skid mark, the motorcycle would have stopped prior to entering the four-lane roadway and the collision would not have occurred.  The property owner argued that the plaintiff never established that an obstruction existed.  Further, the property owner argued that even if an obstruction had existed, there was no collision history, no history of complaints, nor any other form of notice provided to them to indicate that a problem existed prior to the subject collision. 

Jury found the motorcycle operator solely responsible for the collision. 

Categories: Case Studies

 

Have A Question About This Article or Want to Contact the Expert?

Request An Expert

Fill out the form below so we may refer an expert

Do you have a question for us? We’re here to help!

James Schmidt Expert Spotlight