The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 5,932 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes across the United States in 2021. This total represents 14% of all traffic fatalities and the highest recorded number of motorcyclist fatalities since 1974. Missouri shows commensurate numbers, with 151 motorcyclist fatalities in 2022, accounting for 14% of all traffic fatalities in the state that year, according to the Missouri Coalition for Highway Safety. Given these sobering statistics, how to avoid a motorcycle accident is a common concern for many motorcyclists. Read on to learn tips on avoiding motorcycle accidents from the experienced personal injury lawyers with Steelman Gaunt Crowley. For legal assistance after an accident, contact our firm by calling (573) 341-8336 to schedule a consultation.
What Is the Most Common Motorcycle Accident?
One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents is a left-turn accident. In a left-turn accident, one vehicle is traveling straight while the other is initiating a left turn. Frequently, left-turn accidents are caused by the failure of the turning driver to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. Under § 304.351 Mo. Rev. Stat., a motorist turning left must yield the right-of-way to drivers proceeding straight through the intersection in the absence of signage to the contrary, such as a “green arrow” traffic light signal for left turns. However, the green arrow rule also suggests another common cause of left-turn accidents: Sometimes, these accidents occur when the driver proceeding straight runs a red light or a stop sign.
Motorists of all kinds can do their part avoid this type of collision by:
- Checking for oncoming traffic before initiating a turn
- Driving the speed limit
- Stopping at stop signs and red lights
- Waiting until it is safe before attempting to turn
All motorists share a duty to follow traffic laws to protect others on the road.
What Is the Main Cause of Motorcycle Accidents?
The main cause of motorcycle accidents is that other motorists often do not see motorcyclists. Motorcycles are of a smaller stature than most other vehicles on the roads, and many motorists do not keep a proper lookout for them. This causes them to turn in front of motorcyclists traveling straight, change lanes without checking their blind spots, and overtake them in other driving scenarios, putting the lives and safety of motorcyclists in jeopardy.
Here are some tips on how to avoid a motorcycle accident due to lack of visibility:
- Pay attention – The Missouri Coalition for Highway Safety reminds motorists that motorcyclists have the same rights to the road as other drivers and that motorists can improve motorcyclist safety by always paying attention. Similarly, motorcyclists can protect themselves by staying alert to road conditions and the actions of other drivers.
- Look twice – Many motorcycle collisions occur at intersections. Motorists should look twice for motorcycles before turning. They should always assume motorcyclists are closer than they appear because their smaller stature makes it difficult to accurately estimate distance. Motorcyclists, on the other hand, should make sure to signal their turns clearly, and to watch for any signs that an oncoming driver may not be preparing to stop when the motorcyclist has the right of way.
- Wear reflective gear – Motorcyclists can increase their visibility by wearing reflective gear and adding reflective lights to their bikes. Other motorists can develop the habit of treating this reflective gear as important roadway information, similar to pavement striping and other reflective indicators drivers watch for and use as guides on a regular basis.
What Are Other Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How Can I Avoid Them?
Unfortunately, lack of visibility by itself does not account for all motorcycle accidents, so even the most thorough measures for improving other drivers’ ability to see motorcyclists would not prevent all motorcycle crashes. Other common causes of motorcycle accidents and tips to avoid them include:
Following Too Closely
“Downshifting,” in which a vehicle shifts to a lower gear, typically correlates to a reduction in the speed of travel, but does not activate a motorcycle’s brake light. Without the brake light as an indicator of the speed change, other motorists may fail to recognize that the motorcycle in front of them is slowing down. When the other driver is following close behind the motorcycle, the resulting delay in response time can increase the risk of a rear-end collision. Motorists can help to prevent this catastrophe by making sure to give motorcyclists plenty of space.
Motorcyclists, on the other hand, can also be injured when they run into the back of vehicles that suddenly stop in front of them. Therefore, motorcyclists should also allow for more space in case they need to brake to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front of them.
Driver Impairment
Drivers who are impaired often suffer from many effects that jeopardize the safety of others, including:
- Difficulty determining speed and distance
- Lowered inhibitions that increase risk-taking behaviors
- Drowsiness, making them more susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel
- Impaired judgment
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty performing multiple tasks at the same time
Drivers can be impaired due to drugs, alcohol, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or even lack of sleep. Those who are impaired in these ways should not get behind the wheel –– or on a motorcycle –– and endanger the lives of others. They should use alternative transportation to keep others around them safe.
Distractions
Distractions are a major cause of highway accidents of all kinds today. “Distracted driving” may include anything that takes a driver’s mind off the task of driving, their eyes off the road in front of their vehicle, or their hands off the steering wheel. Common examples of distractions that interfere with safe driving include:
- Texting, emailing, or instant messaging
- Making or receiving phone calls
- Checking emails or social messages
- Inputting information into a GPS
- Interacting with an infotainment system
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Adjusting vehicle controls
- Tending to children or pets in the vehicle
- Daydreaming
Avoiding distractions is a great way to avoid possible crashes.
Speeding
Speeding is a particularly dangerous driving behavior because it makes it more likely that the driver will lose control of their vehicle, be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision, and cause more serious injuries in the event of a collision. Safety equipment is also less effective at higher speeds, increasing the probable extent of damages and increasing the risk of severe or life-threatening injuries.
Speeding is particularly dangerous to motorcyclists who have limited protection against a passenger vehicle since they do not benefit from a steel frame, seat belt, or airbags. Driving the speed limit and lowering speeds to adjust for bad road or weather conditions can save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Road Hazards
Motorcyclists are more susceptible than most passenger vehicles to many of the accidents caused by numerous road hazards, such as:
- Uneven pavement
- Sudden drop-offs
- Loose gravel
- Debris in the roadway
- Sharp turns
Motorcyclists can work to avoid these accidents by driving the speed limit, lowering their speed in response to difficult road conditions, and carefully observing the roadway in front of them.
Violating Traffic Laws
Many motorcycle accidents occur when a motorist does not obey a traffic law. All motorists depend on those who share the roads with them following these rules. When any one driver breaks the law, others on the roads are often injured as a result.
The motorcycle accident lawyers with Steelman Gaunt Crowley are committed to helping the victims of accidents caused by negligent driving pursue compensation for the damages they have suffered. Holding negligent drivers accountable sends a clear message that risking others’ lives by failing to adhere to safe driving practices is never acceptable.
Contact an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Legal Guidance and Representation
Even if you have followed all of the tips above about how to avoid a motorcycle accident, you may still find yourself hurt in one. You cannot control the actions of other motorists. If you would like to learn more about your legal rights and options following a motorcycle accident, consider contacting Steelman Gaunt Crowley for a free consultation by calling (573) 341-8336 today.
