By Sandra Dalton, Staff Writer
Motorcycles are more likely to crash than cars, and when they do, they are far more likely to cause serious injuries or death. That comes as no surprise. It takes far more skill to operate a motorcycle than a car without crashing. Motorcycles offer no protection for their riders, so bodies take the full brunt of the crash and riders are often thrown from the motorcycle into traffic or objects. What may surprise you are the differences in the causes of motorcycle accidents vs. car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents including motorcycle accidents. More states are implementing laws to discourage texting and handheld device use, but the laws vary and some states still allow it. In states that have laws prohibiting texting while driving, it is a secondary offense meaning you can only get a ticket for it if you are pulled over for something else.
Cars Making Left-hand Turns
The most dangerous situation for a motorcyclist is a car making a left-hand turn. As the motorcycle tries to pass through the intersection, the car turns left into the motorcyclist’s path, violating the motorcyclist’s right of way. It is far too common and can result in serious injuries.
Lane Splitting
Some states allow lane splitting, while others do not. If you’re not familiar with the term, lane splitting is when a motorcycle drives between two lanes of traffic. It can make for faster travel in heavy traffic conditions, but it also increases the risk of being hit.
If you have been seriously injured in a car or motorcycle accident, please talk to an experienced traffic accident lawyer right away.
