While many people envision motorcyclists as reckless, the typical motorcycle rider is extremely safety conscious. This is because they are acutely aware of how exposed they are with nothing protecting them but their wits. Even though most motorcyclists wear at least some protective gear, it is no substitute for the security of being inside of a car or truck.
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates motorcyclists are almost 30 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a crash than people in an automobile with approximately 5,000 motorcyclists dying in crashes annually. While motorcyclists bear their share of responsibility, most of the accidents involving a motorcycle are caused by the automobile driver. More often than not this is due to the driver simply not seeing the motorcyclist.
Why Drivers Fail to See Motorcycles
Because they are so much smaller than automobiles, motorcycles are easily obscured by everything from other vehicles to sign posts. Motorcycles also have a very narrow perpendicular profile and driver’s brains are trained to look for the wider profiles of other cars and trucks. Because of this, even when looking right at it, a driver may not recognize a motorcycle until it is too late to react.
This phenomenon is referred to as “intentional blindness” that is caused by the brain having too much information to be able to process everything in the field of view. Instead, the brain prioritizes what it perceives as being crucial. For example, something large and dangerous such as a train approaching a crossing will take precedent because it requires immediate attention verses something small like a motorcycle that doesn’t pose as much of a threat. These situations requires a conscious and concerted effort to notice everything in the field of view. Here are some tips to help drivers and riders stay safe on the road:
For Automobile Drivers:
• Be Patient and Cautious
It is critical that drivers consciously scan and be prepared for unexpected hazards. Motorcyclists often take more time to clear an intersection or execute a turn, especially in heavy traffic. Always drive by the code “to save a life you have to look twice.” Don’t try to rush a motorcyclist by honking your horn as this may startle the motorcyclist and cause the rider to lose control of the cycle.
• Signal Your Intentions
While it is essential to always communicate your intentions to other drivers, it is even more crucial for motorcyclist to know what the driver is planning to do. Use directional signals to indicate turns, lane changes and when moving through and exiting a roundabout.
• Understand Motorcycle Reaction Time
Because they are so much lighter than automobiles, motorcycles are much more maneuverable. They can turn, stop and start up much quicker than a car or truck. As such, drivers should allow more room between themselves and the motorcyclist so they will have more time to react.
For Motorcyclists
• Inspect the Motorcycle Before Every Ride
Always check the head and taillights, the turn signals, brakes, tire pressure, mirrors, horn and oil and gas levels before each ride.
• Obey Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are intended to keep everyone safe, but they don’t work if everyone doesn’t follow the rules. While they are all important, perhaps the most crucial traffic law for motorcyclist is to obey the speed limit. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports almost half of all motorcyclist deaths occurred due to excessive speed. It is all to easy for motorcyclists to lose track of their speed and be going 10 MPH, or more, over the speed limit without even realizing it.
• Be Visible and Observant
Motorcyclists should never assume they are visible to other drivers. In fact, they should assume the opposite. The Hurt Report, published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, found that 75 percent of all motorcycle accidents are due to other drivers not seeing the motorcycle. Stay out of blind spots and always drive with your headlights on, even during the daylight hours. Watch for road hazards, such as sand and oil slicks, that can cause a loss of control.
Summary
Motorcycle accidents can have devastating consequences for riders. In 2022, there were 447 motorcycle accidents in San Francisco alone that resulted in injury or death. Ultimately it is the responsibility of both the driver and rider to avoid accidents by always staying alert and cautious. Following these tips can help keep everyone safe on the road.
