Popular media and social stereotypes depict motorcycle riders as relatively dangerous on the road. However, they are often careful about following rules but face danger caused by the conduct of others on the road.
When motorists don’t follow best practices in traffic, people on motorcycles could end up paying the price for their negligence. All three of the common causes of motorcycle collisions below are under the control of motorists, making most motorcycle collisions preventable with appropriate care.
1. Inadequate surveillance
Some people insist on handling their mobile phones while they drive. Others simply don’t watch for motorcycles. Insufficient surveillance is one of the most common reasons that people hit motorcycles. They don’t see them in time, so they cannot avoid causing a crash.
2. Alcohol intoxication
According to federal research into motorcycle collisions, a substantial portion of motorcycle collisions involve drivers who are under the influence on the road. Impaired drivers struggle to focus, make appropriate decisions and monitor their surroundings. Even when drivers aren’t over the legal limit, partial alcohol impairment could be to blame for a crash.
3. Excessive speed
Many motorcycle collisions occur on highways and rural roads with higher speed limits. Especially when there is minimal traffic present, drivers often assume that they can safely exceed the speed limit without any serious risks. That presumption can have tragic consequences in some cases.
Motorcycle riders and their family members can potentially take action when drivers are to blame for motorcycle collisions. Requesting compensation through insurance or a lawsuit is a reasonable reaction to a serious motorcycle crash that causes injuries or worse.
