If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you are probably familiar with many of the ups and downs of riding in the US, traversing back roads, scenic byways, and major highways. Riding a motorcycle allows you to escape the confines (and often the longer commute) of traveling in a car, enjoying the exhilaration of being outdoors and reaping a variety of mental, physical, and emotional rewards.

Like so many motorcyclists, you probably feel better when you are on your bike, listening to the deep rev of the engine, and often being able to get closer to nature while you travel.

It is also hard to complain when you can save money on upfront costs, paying for gas, maintenance, and have the peace of mind in knowing you are making less of an environmental impact. Unfortunately, other factors can make riding a motorcycle challenging—and sometimes, downright unsafe.

Other Motorists Are One of the Greatest Hazards on the Road

One of the biggest dangers is other motorists on the road. And while it may seem ridiculous that so many drivers today are still clueless about watching out for motorcyclists (along with bicyclists and pedestrians), the fact remains that indeed you may still be almost invisible to them—even as you are facing them at an intersection.

While some of this may be physiological, as our brains just are not trained to watch for smaller vehicles on the highway (see more on our blog regarding motion-induced blindness), it is up to motorists to remain vigilant and work harder to see all aspects of traffic they are interacting with on a continual basis. Basic safety issues between cars and motorcycles are made worse by the myriad ways individuals operating vehicles can be distracted today: grooming, eating, drinking, interacting with passengers, texting and talking on cell phones, surfing the net and other apps, and more. While drivers are engaged in so many other activities, motorcyclists may be completely overlooked—meaning there is the potential for catastrophe.

Drivers Must Be Even More Diligent at Intersections

Motorists must often fight to make their presence known out on the open road, attempting to be both seen and heard, staying visible in lanes, avoiding placing themselves in the blind spots of motorists, and giving cars a wide berth. Intersections, however, are one of the most common places for cars to collide with motorcycles, as left turns are being made. Take a moment to consider just how many news headlines you read about motorcycle and car accidents (all too often resulting in fatalities) that mention an intersection.

This is an area of driving where extreme caution should always be used, but motorists may be speeding to get through a light before it changes, not paying close enough attention, or again, just failing to see the motorcycle at all. Drivers can reduce the chance of collision at an intersection—and especially with a motorcycle—by always giving their full attention to the driving at hand, fighting the urge to hurry or speed to get through the light, using the turn signal, and being extremely aware of oncoming traffic.

Contact Us for Help

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of others, please call Heintz Law for a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys. We handle all types of Florida personal injury cases, and our law firm has established an impressive record of verdicts and settlements. If you have been seriously injured, call us now at 941-748-2916 or contact us online. We are here to help!