Every summer in Indiana, more motorcycles hit the open road. While riding a motorcycle can be both a form of transportation and a favorite pastime, it can also be dangerous. In fact, back in 2017, 5,172 motorcycle riders and their passengers died across the U.S. due to roadway accidents.
Visibility is the problem
The majority of motorcycle accidents are caused by a lack of visibility of the driver. Due to the smaller size of a motorcycle as compared to a passenger car or a truck, these vehicles are naturally harder to see from a distance. On top of this disadvantage, many vehicle drivers forget to double-check for motorcycles before making a maneuver.
One of the most common types of accidents takes place in the left-hand turn lane. Car drivers get into the left-hand turning lane to attempt to turn across traffic. They don’t see a vehicle coming, so they make the turn. The motorcycle driver isn’t seen until the last second. Either the motorcycle can’t stop and they run into the car, or the car turns into the side of the motorcycle.
Avoiding future accidents
By understanding the common circumstances surrounding the majority of motorcycle accidents, drivers can take necessary precautions to reduce them. When it comes to motorcycle riders, it’s best to slow down when approaching oncoming traffic. Riders should wear bright-colored clothing to make themselves more visible to other drivers. Vehicle drivers, for their part, should always look twice before turning into oncoming traffic to identify if there is a motorcycle driver coming.
Motorcycle accidents can be extremely dangerous when they involve other motor vehicles. To help eliminate the number of accidents that occur, both motorcycle and motor vehicle drivers need to work together. The above are just some of the best ways to help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents that occur on roadways.
