Everyone who rides a motorcycle knows, the real danger of being injured in a motorcycle accident, is just around every corner, literally. Statistics have shown that most motorcycle accidents occur at intersections, more than at any other place on our streets and highways. The fact is that motorcycle accidents can happen in a variety of places, but intersections are the most dangerous. Florida’s Motorcycle Safety Course-Basis Rider Training Program teaches bikers that they should use “extreme caution” when approaching and proceeding into an intersection, and for very good reasons.
What Can Go Wrong at an Intersections
Intersections pose a very real threat to motorcyclists because of the close proximity of vehicles, entering and leaving them. Accidents with injuries can happen to almost any vehicles, but motorcycles are especially vulnerable. Not only do most intersection have a 4-way traffic convergence, but when you combine turn lanes and crossing lanes, intersections can pose up to 6 distinct accident possible positions. Road conditions at intersections can also pose additional hazards because of debris and fluids that get deposited by stopped cars and truck. Vehicles starting up and stopping quickly can also play a significant role in creating hazards at these necessary traffic devices. Additionally, the speed of vehicles approaching intersections can also increase the risk of accidents.
Motorcycles Are at a Major Risk
Motorcycles, their passengers and drivers are at a distinct disadvantage when approaching an intersection because of their relative size and shape, as compared to other vehicles like automobiles and small trucks. Some motorcycle accidents can occur from behind because the stopped motorcycle often times blends into the background of other stopped cars and trucks. Even motorcycles entering intersections at lawful rates of speed are almost invisible to other drivers. Drivers that make right and left handed turns, pose a significant threat to motorcyclists also. Most motorcycle accidents at intersections are due to an automobile or truck driver not yielding to the cyclist. Cars, trucks and semi’s pulling out into what appears to be an open lane cause many accidents. Motorcyclist blend into the background and are just not seen. Motorcyclists often are caught in the driver’s blind spot due to their relative size and shape, adding to the dangers that exist for motorcyclists. Unfortunately for cyclists, these avoidable accidents occur all too often. Additionally, motorcyclists that approach side streets and roadways are at added risk of not being seen because of their size, shape and sometimes position in the oncoming traffic.
Motorcyclists Should Take Precaution When Approaching Intersections
Motorcyclists should incorporate all of the following driving techniques into their everyday driving habits to avoid collisions, injury and death.
- When approaching an intersection motorcyclists should always scan all lanes of traffic and anticipate other drivers making right or left hand turns at an intersection.
- Motorcyclists should occupy the middle lane position, if available, just in case a driver pulls out into the right hand lane.
- Motorcyclists should adjust their rate of speed and have their foot and hand on the brakes in case a problem presents itself.
- Motorcyclists over taking other cars should always stay out of the driver’s blind spot. Even if the cyclist does not intend to pass the car, they should try and make their presents known, so the driver of the other vehicle knows they are there.
- Motorcyclist should try not to drive in the left hand lane unless passing or making a turn.
- Motorcyclists should never pass another vehicle on the right because of blind spots and decreased visibility.
- Motorcyclists should always be aware of their immediate surroundings and of course know the traffic patterns that are present, and the flow of traffic and speed. They should always know where the immediate vehicles are and try to anticipate those driver’s intentions.
- Cyclists should avoid distractions of any kind that might cause them to lose focus on the driving task at hand.
- Motorcyclists should visually scan stopped vehicles front tires and rims: watching for any movement that might alert them to the driver pulling out causing a dangerous situation.
Finally, cyclists should make sure their horn and brakes are fully functioning and should practice evasive maneuvers just in case a dangerous driving situation presents itself. These techniques will help to avoid crashes, injury and even death.
Jacksonville Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Wood, Atter is an experienced motorcycle accident and injury law firm. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a motorcycle accident, you need the advice of a motorcycle accident attorney. Michael Atter and David Wolf are personal injury specialist who have represented motorcycle accident victims and their families for over 30 years. They understand the issues involved in a motorcycle accident case and how insurance companies operate. Wood, Atter has represented 1000’s of clients and recovered millions of dollars in motorcycle settlements. Give them and their knowledgeable legal staff a call at 904-355-8888…or visit them on the web at woodatter.com