Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists have a right to enjoy the road alongside other motorists. However, the nature of their travel involves additional hazards.

Understanding the cause of most accidents is the first step in avoiding danger.

Poor visibility or weather

Darkness or inclement weather can restrict the vision of a rider. If a motorcyclist cannot spot other vehicles or obstacles, a terrible accident could occur.

Likewise, other motorists may not be able to see a motorcycle until it is too late. Riders should try to avoid going out in difficult conditions if possible. Bright clothing and properly working lights can improve visibility.

Poor road conditions

Uneven pavement and potholes can be fatal at high speeds. Riders can avoid such hazards by paying close attention to the road and sticking to well-kept highways.

Fatigue or distraction

A tired rider makes more mistakes than an alert one. Fatigue can be even more dangerous than driving under the influence. Motorcyclists also have to be aware of drivers who may not be paying full attention to the road. Travelers need to ride defensively to stay safe.

Reckless riding

Most people purchase a motorcycle to have a good time while traveling. However, speeding and recklessness are infinitely more dangerous without the protections that automobiles have.

Riders should obey traffic laws and avoid unnecessary risks. If a person enjoys racing, the wise decision is to join a club where the individual can put their skills to the test in the controlled and safe environment of a track.

Motorcycle accidents are too common, but forethought can lower the risk of a collision. Paying extra attention and taking proper steps can help riders safely reach their destinations.

May is Motorcycle and Bicycle Safety Awareness Month in Florida. For car, truck and SUV drivers in Tampa, it’s a much-needed reminder that riders depend on them to watch out and give bikes plenty of space on the road. Too many motorcycle accidents would not have happened if the driver involved had taken reasonable precautions.

As a refresher, here are five tips for driving safely around motorcycles, as provided by the Florida Highway Patrol.

  • Don’t try to “share” the lane with a motorcycle. That rider is as entitled to the full width of the lane as if they were driving a car.
  • Watch for motorcycles before attempting a lane change or turn or when entering an intersection.
  • Give a motorcycle plenty of space when passing. If you pass just a few feet ahead of a bike and there’s a sudden gust of wind, the rider could lose control and crash into your rear.
  • Don’t follow a bike too closely. Motorcycles can stop much more quickly than larger vehicles. You might not have time to brake if the motorcycle in front of you stops suddenly and you didn’t leave enough room.
  • If a rider is attempting to pass you, let them in. Maintain your speed and lane position until the rider has entered your lane.

Experienced riders do what they can to protect themselves on surface streets and highways. But all it takes is one inattentive, careless or reckless driver to create a possibly disastrous collision. But the more seriously that drivers take the rules of the road, the fewer riders there will be with disabling injuries, not to mention grieving families.

Every year, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month arrives in May. And every year, drivers must understand that motorcyclists are present on roads and have every right to be there.

Still, every year, many motorcyclists and their passengers sustain serious and even fatal injuries in crashes – many of them caused by the negligence of a car, SUV, pickup and large truck driver. In 2019, more than 5,000 motorcycle fatalities occurred in the country and another 84,000 people were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Florida: nearly 600 motorcyclists died

What may come as a surprise is that Florida in 2019 recorded the highest number of motorcycle-related fatalities in the country with 591.

Motorcyclists can take the greatest care and precautions to ensure a safe ride, but still become victims in a crash caused by a reckless driver. Here is some of the behavior that leads to drivers crashing into motorcyclists:

  • Distracted or inattentive driving: Whether fiddling with a smartphone, searching for something in the passenger seat or eating behind the wheel, a distracted driver proves to be a dangerous one. And when minds wander to things other than driving, danger can occur, too, as a driver may veer into the lane occupied by a motorcyclist.
  • Flouting traffic laws, signals and signs: A speeding car that blows through a stop sign or one that darts in and out of traffic can lead to a crash with a motorcycle.
  • Drowsy driving and fatigue: Drivers must remain alert and keep their eyes moving. If they are tired, drivers may nod off. Their car may cross the center line and crash into an oncoming motorcycle.
  • Drunk and drugged driving: Whether it is alcohol or illegal drug use, this behavior represents a threat to anyone on the road. Slower reactions and misjudging the road can lead to tragedy.

When drivers subscribe to unsafe behavior behind the wheel, it promises to lead to potentially dangerous consequences for motorcyclists and their passengers.

Coexistence and safety

Motorcycle Safety Awareness month shines the spotlight on the importance of safe driving behavior. Drivers must accept the fact that they have to share the road with motorcyclists. Coexistence can have long-term positive effects on safety matters.