According to motorcycleaccident.org, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to experience a deadly road accident than those in cars. Motorcyclists are out in numbers with spring in full swing and it’s more important than ever to be cautious of them on the road. Over half of fatal motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. As a car or truck driver you should be aware that;
- Motorcyclists take more evasive actions to avoid road debris, keep an eye out for a situation where a motorcyclist may need to switch lanes, or swerve and give them space accordingly.
- Most accidents between cars and motorcycles involve left turns at intersections. Be aware and check twice if necessary.
- Motorcycles are easily hidden in blind spots. Purdue’s motorcycle safety page suggests that you look for helmets, tires, and shadows alongside other vehicles that may hide a motorcyclist.
Motorcyclists should be given as much space and respect on the road as car and truck drivers. Being aware and understanding your responsibility to motorcyclists is half the battle to making roads a safer place for them. Weather changes, poor road conditions, and drowsy or drunk driving affects them many times more than motorists in cars. The statistics show that neglectful motorcyclists are at higher risk for fatality than any other drivers on the road;
- 44% of all motorcyclist fatalities in 2009 involved the driver not wearing an helmet
- In 2009, of all motorcyclist fatalities involving no other vehicle, 48% were speeding and 42% had blood alcohol levels higher than .08%
- In 2006, 36% of all motorcycle accidents involved speeding, according to the NHTSA
With the motorcycle fatality rate at 73 per 100,000 drivers, it is an extreme necessity that all motorists are educated about motorcycle dangers. To learn more about motorcycle safety, visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles, or motorcyclesafety.org.
