7 Ways Drivers Endanger Motorcyclists
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), while motorcycles make up less than 5% of all registered vehicles in the U.S., they accounted for more than 14% of all traffic fatalities and almost 4% of all injuries in the nation in 2022. While motorcycle accidents can occur due to unpreventable reasons, most are caused by the actions of passenger vehicle drivers and truck drivers. It is vital to understand how drivers can endanger motorcyclists. This can help promote safer roads. Below, we look at seven of the ways drivers endanger motorcyclists.
- Not Checking Blind Spots
Blind spots are defined as areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot easily see. Typically, vehicles have side blind spots, a rear blind spot, and a front blind spot. Large trucks have bigger blind spots than smaller passenger vehicles. It is crucial that drivers check their blind spots. If a driver fails to adequately check their blind spots, they may miss a motorcycle. Motorcycles are small and can be easily overlooked in a vehicle’s blind spot. For example, if a driver changes lanes without first checking their blind spots, they can collide with an unseen motorcycle.
- Speeding
Driving above the posted speed limit or the speed that is appropriate for the weather and road conditions is a huge factor in motorcycle accidents involving vehicles. Speeding affects a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, such as an obstacle on the road. It increases stopping distance. In other words, the faster a vehicle is going, the longer it will take to come to a stop. Speeding can also make it challenging to control a car, especially on slippery roads or around curves.
- Making Unsafe Left Turns
One of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can attempt is making a left turn. Left turns are also among the leading causes of accidents on the road. When making a left turn, a driver may fail to see a motorcycle approaching or misjudge its speed. Because bikes are smaller than other vehicles, a motorcycle may appear to be moving slower than it actually is.
- Distracted Driving
One of the biggest dangers to bikers is distracted driving. A driver distracted by their phone, food, a drink, the radio, passengers, or the navigation system cannot react on time to unexpected situations. They may not notice a motorcyclist in front, beside, or behind them.
- Failing To Signal
Before a driver changes lanes, turns, merges, or even exits a roundabout, they should signal their intention. This gives motorcyclists the opportunity to react or adjust their riding accordingly. Failure to use turn signals poses a significant danger to motorcyclists.
- Littering
Littering dirties our roads. Apart from that, it is dangerous to throw things out of a moving vehicle. Throwing litter from a moving vehicle can pose a significant risk to motorcyclists on the road. Litter can obscure a motorcyclist’s vision. Sharp objects like glass can create tire hazards for motorcyclists. If a motorcyclist hits such an item, they may suffer tire damage and lose control.
- Failure To Yield the Right of Way
Failing to yield the right of way forces a motorcyclist to stop or maneuver unexpectedly. This can cause an accident.
Legal Help Is Available
At the law firm of Brian G. Miller CO., L.P.A., our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys have experience helping people involved in motorcycle accidents because of the negligence of other drivers to recover the compensation they deserve. Do not hesitate to contact us for help.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/motorcycles/#:~:text=Although%20motorcycles%20make%20up%20only%203%25%20of%20all%20registered%20vehicles%20and%200.7%25%20of%20all%20vehicle%20miles%20traveled%20in%20the%20United%20States%2C%20motorcyclists%20accounted%20for%2014.6%25%20of%20all%20traffic%20fatalitie
