Many motorcyclists are seriously injured in crashes when drivers simply do not see them, even when they are in plain sight. As a driver, learning how to drive proactively and recognize motorcyclists on the road can help you prevent a potentially fatal motorcycle accident.
For over 20 years, Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers has fought for injured riders and other accident victims in Oceanside, CA. Below are tips to help you drive safely around motorcyclists.
If you or someone you love is seriously injured in a crash, we are here to help. Contact our law office for a free consultation with an Oceanside personal injury lawyer to discuss what we can do to help you. You can also call us at (619) 344-0360.
How Our Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident in Oceanside, CA
Motorcycle accidents involving other vehicles are often serious. After your crash, you deserve an Oceanside personal injury attorney committed to giving you trusted legal representation.
For over 20 years, Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers has fought tirelessly for accident victims. We have recovered more than $40 million on behalf of our clients. We will pursue the fair compensation you need after your devastating accident.
When you hire our law firm in Oceanside, California, we will:
- Perform an independent investigation into your accident
- Identify all parties who may be liable
- Work with experts as needed to prove causation and your damages
- Negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company
- Take your case to court if necessary
Contact our office today to schedule a free initial consultation with an Oceanside motorcycle accident lawyer. Continue reading for tips on driving safely around California motorcyclists.
#1. Overcome Inattentional Blindness
One of the greatest dangers for motorcyclists is the fact that drivers often fail to see them – even when they are in plain sight. A phenomenon called inattentional blindness is partially to blame.
The brain struggles to see what it doesn’t expect. Information that doesn’t seem relevant is also filtered out. The brain also relies on historical data to fill in peripheral information. This is why looked-but-failed-to-see crashes are incredibly common when motorcycles and passenger vehicles collide.
Motorcyclists need to be aware of this phenomenon and expect drivers not to see them. High-contrast gear when it’s raining, awareness of a driver’s blind spots, and using movement to overcome peripheral blindness are all helpful tactics.
Drivers can overcome inattentional blindness by remembering and specifically looking for motorcycles, especially in intersections and before changing lanes. Consciously look around more frequently while driving to give your brain more varied visual information.
#2. Don’t Rely On Your Mirrors
Motorcycles have a small profile that blends into the background easily. They can also become invisible in blind spots. Blind spot detection and lane departure warning technology can help, but the best way to see motorcycles is to look actively and more than once.
Adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors to reduce blind spots. When turning, changing lanes, or backing up, get in the habit of using the mirrors first, then turning your head to check again.
#3. Drivers Often Misjudge a Motorcycle’s Speed and Distance
It’s common for drivers to have trouble judging the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle, especially drivers who have never ridden a bike. One reason is people use the rate of visual looming to judge speed, but small vehicles don’t loom like larger cars and trucks. The smaller size can make it appear that a motorcycle is moving slower than it is.
Even the position of a bike on the road affects the ability of drivers to judge distance and speed. Motorcycles usually occupy a position that isn’t in the center of the lane and they may weave in and out of lanes easily. The irregular movement makes it harder for drivers to predict trajectory and judge speed.
As a driver, it’s important to be aware of this difficulty. Assume motorcycles are going faster than they appear, especially if you are preparing to turn or change lanes.
#4. Give Motorcycles Extra Distance
Be aware that motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting or releasing the throttle. The brake lights may not activate even though the bike is slowing. Motorcycles also react to road conditions differently than cars. In dry conditions, a motorcycle can stop much faster than a car.
Give bikes a greater following distance to give you more time to react to changes in speed. A rear-end crash that may be a minor fender bender when it involves two cars can be fatal to a motorcyclist.
#5. Check for Motorcycles Before Opening Car Doors
A dooring accident happens when a motorcyclist or bicyclist collides with a car door opened abruptly in their path. These accidents occur when a driver or passenger carelessly opens their door without checking for an approaching vehicle or bicyclist.
When another car strikes an open door, it’s usually no more than a minor accident with property damage. For a motorcyclist, it can be serious or fatal.
Always make sure you and any passengers verify the path is clear and no vehicles are approaching before opening a door.
#6. Reduce Distractions While Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous because it takes your attention off the road for longer than you think. It also means you are doing less active scanning which is crucial for recognizing motorcycles. Do your best to eliminate distractions, including using your cell phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving.
Defensive driving may help you avoid dangers on the road, but proactive driving is best to anticipate risks and practice safe behaviors for everyone on the road. A safe driver actively scans the road, keeps track of nearby vehicles, and understands their limitations.
By reducing distractions, understanding why motorcycles are so often invisible to drivers, and taking steps to actively scan for motorcyclists while driving, you are actively becoming a safer driver.
Contact Our Oceanside Motorcycle Accident Attorneys For a Free Consultation If You Were Injured in a Crash
At Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers, we have represented accident victims for more than 20 years. We have seen countless accidents caused by careless and reckless behavior. We hope these tips help you stay safe on the road and protect others.
If you are involved in a serious crash in Oceanside, CA, our personal injury lawyers are here to help you. Contact our law office for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist.
