What are some common causes of motorcycle accidents?

Utah motorcyclists may be using the last of the pleasant weather before winter sets in to take to the streets on their bikes. While motorcycling can be a fun hobby and an efficient means of travel, it is also dangerous when a negligent driver strikes a motorcyclist, causing serious injuries or fatalities. The following is an overview of some common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Left-hand turns

The most common cause of motorcycle crashes is an automobile making a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist, causing a collision. This may happen if the driver is distracted, does not check their blind spots or is simply not paying attention to motorcycles in their vicinity.

Lane changes

Another cause of motorcycle accidents involves motorists veering into the lane occupied by the motorcyclist. This can happen if a motorist does not look in their blind spot before changing lanes. Motorcycles are smaller than automobiles and are harder to see. For this reason, motorists must be especially aware of motorcyclists sharing the road with them.

Rear-end collisions

If a motorcyclist is stopped at an intersection, and a motorist does not see them, the motorist may rear-end the motorcyclist. These types of crashes can be especially catastrophic, because unlike automobiles, motorcycles do not have crumple zones, air bags or seat belts.

Dooring incidents

“Dooring” takes place when an automobile is parked on the side of the road and opens their door into traffic, causing a motorcyclist to crash into the open door. Motorists need to look out for motorcyclists before opening a door into traffic to avoid causing such incidents. In fact, the area next to cars parked on the side of the door that is as wide as the door is referred to as “The Death Zone.”

Motorists must practice motorcycle awareness

Ultimately, what all these crashes have in common is motorists simply not practicing motorcycle awareness. Just as they would pay attention to other automobiles in their vicinity, so must they look out for motorcyclists in their vicinity. To fail to do so is negligent behavior that could lead to a motorcycle accident and possible a subsequent lawsuit.