This motorcycle safety risk worsens in fall, winter and spring

On Behalf of | Oct 29, 2024 | Motorcycle Accidents |

There are many factors that contribute to the risk of motorcycle crashes. Speed, road conditions and intoxication can all increase the likelihood of a crash involving a motorcycle. Most motorcycle riders make every reasonable attempt to reduce their personal risk.

They carefully follow the law and ensure that they properly maintain their vehicles so that they don’t malfunction in traffic. They may also wear visibility gear and safety gear, including helmets and outerwear intended to protect against road rash.

Unfortunately, no matter how safety-minded a motorcycle rider may be, there is a risk factor that they cannot control. Specifically, they cannot control how other people behave in traffic. One of the main issues that lead to other drivers causing motorcycle collisions tend to become more of a risk in the fall, winter and early spring.

Drivers may not look for motorcycles

If a driver causes a crash that damages a motorcycle and injures its rider, they may very well give the same excuse that many others provide in that same situation. Drivers may claim that they didn’t notice the motorcycle. Even in broad daylight when directly facing each other across an intersection, drivers often fail to notice motorcycles.

The reason why has to do with how the brain processes information while driving. The brain tends to focus driver attention on concerns that seem crucial to personal safety. People almost always notice semi-trucks because they are large and threatening. Smaller objects like motorcycles, pedestrians and bicycles are easy to ignore.

The only way to correct that inattentional blindness is to make a point of looking for motorcycles in traffic. Many drivers recognize that they should watch for motorcycles in the summer. Temperate local winter, fall and spring weather make it possible for avid motorcycle riders to ride year-round.

Unfortunately, as the seasons turn, drivers may be less likely to watch for motorcycles. They may fail to notice them in traffic and can cause preventable collisions with major consequences for the rider. Trying to draw the attention of other motorists and traffic is crucial for the protection of a motorcycle rider, especially when drivers are less likely to be aware of motorcycles.

With all of this said, even those who actively try to avoid motorcycle crashes may end up involved in one. As such, knowing how to respond to a crash by documenting the scene and seeking compensation afterward can be as important as being safety-minded while riding.