Riding a motorcycle requires concentration and constant vigilance to ensure safety. Automobile drivers often fail to exercise caution and consideration toward motorcyclists when sharing the road. Many drivers fail to notice motorcycle riders, even when they are right within their line of vision. Accidents frequently arise due to factors such as driver distraction or limited vision.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), motorcyclists have a significantly higher risk of suffering fatal injuries in accidents compared to other drivers on the road. Despite wearing helmets and adhering to traffic laws, a motorcycle is no match for a four-wheeled vehicle.
Common reasons motorcycle vs. car accidents happen
Several factors can contribute to accidents between cars and motorcycles. The following are the three most common scenarios:
- It is currently estimated that distracted driving accounts for at least 10% of all fatal traffic collisions in the United States. Driver distraction can be caused by various factors, such as:
- phone calls
- eating or drinking
- listening to music or podcasts while driving
All of these situations can impair a driver’s ability to focus, detect and respond appropriately to a motorcycle. The prevalence of cell phone use in vehicles has increased by nearly 1,500% since 2003.
- Lane splitting, also known as filtering, is the maneuver of a motorcycle riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic. This is an extremely hazardous practice that can result in a fatal collision between a motorcycle and a car.
- The primary cause of T-bone collisions when making left turns is often attributed to a lack of visibility or awareness of motorcycles. For instance, if the rider is advancing or trying to overtake the automobile, the turning vehicle can collide with the motorbike due to their failure to perceive its presence.
Motorcycle and automobile accidents can be devastating. When they happen, it is critical to seek assistance in recovering the cost of your medical bills and damages.
