Motorcycles have the same rights and privileges afforded to every other motor vehicle. The significantly higher rates of motorcycle accident fatalities compared to all other motor vehicle fatalities suggests that these rights and privileges are not being respected by other drivers on the roadways.
Although only three percent of all registered vehicles are motorcycles, nearly 15 percent of crash fatalities are motorcyclists. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration researchers report that motorcyclists have a significantly higher risk on the roads than occupants in passenger vehicles, and are almost 40 times more likely to die in a crash. In Illinois in 2012, motor vehicle accidents caused nearly 150 motorcyclist fatalities.
Motorcycles operate differently than a passenger vehicle
The smaller size of motorcycles makes them easily hidden by larger vehicles, and more likely to be lost in other vehicles’ blind spots. The smaller size also affects the ability of other drivers to judge the speed of the motorcycle and how close or far away it is. Many accidents between passenger vehicles and motorcycles are a result of a failure to yield because of misjudged distance. It is always best to assume that the motorcycle is closer than it appears and allow extra room between vehicles.
Motorcycles are smaller and more maneuverable than passenger vehicles, which gives them a different perspective on traffic. In order to improve visibility or avoid unsafe conditions, a motorcyclist may change lanes more frequently. Motorcyclists do not always need to brake in order to slow down, and their turn-signals are not necessarily self-cancelling, so watching for brake lights or turn signals is not always the best way to anticipate a motorcycle’s movement in traffic. Motorcycles need even more room during bad weather and in construction zones because these conditions may affect their ability to stop quickly.
Car drivers who understand the differences between passenger vehicles and motorcycles on the road can positively affect the safety of motorcyclists and reduce the number of fatalities each year. The slogan “Look twice – save a life” effectively instigates the primary behavior that car drivers can employ to promote motorcycle safety.
Raising awareness prevents accidents
In response to the dangers motorcyclists are exposed to on the roadways, many states have instituted Motorcycle Awareness Month. Efforts like these help educate drivers as to the differences a motorcycle has, understand the necessity of taking extra precautions, and present ways that driver awareness can save lives.
Motorcyclists who have experienced a brain injury or other physical trauma in an accident caused by the carelessness of a car driver have a right to full legal representation by an attorney who is able to explain all the options available under the law.
