Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. And while riders often take significant precautions to stay safe, a large number of these incidents are caused by the errors of other drivers. Understanding these common mistakes is crucial for both motorcyclists and drivers in Illinois, as it can help prevent future tragedies. By being aware and practicing defensive driving, we can all contribute to making our roads safer.
1. Failure to See the Motorcycle
This is, by far, the most frequent cause of collisions. A driver might say, “I didn’t even see them.” The reasons for this can vary. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and can be easily hidden in a driver’s blind spots, behind other vehicles, or in a vehicle's A-pillar (the part of the car's frame that holds the windshield). A driver’s cognitive bias, sometimes called “inattentional blindness,” can also play a role, where the brain subconsciously filters out smaller objects it doesn't expect to see.
2. Improper Lane Changes
Lane change accidents are a common danger for motorcyclists. A driver may not check their mirrors or shoulder-check before moving into another lane, or they may simply misjudge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle. This can result in the motorcycle being sideswiped or forced off the road. Drivers must always assume a motorcycle is in their blind spot and perform a thorough check before changing lanes.
3. Left-Turn Collisions
Left-turn accidents are another major threat. A driver turning left at an intersection may fail to yield to an oncoming motorcycle. This is often due to the same issues as the first point: the driver doesn't see the motorcycle. However, it can also be a result of misjudging the motorcycle’s speed. A motorcycle’s smaller profile can make it appear farther away or traveling slower than it actually is.
4. Driving Under the Influence or Distracted Driving
Impaired or distracted driving is a danger to everyone on the road, but motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable. A driver who is texting, talking on the phone, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol has a significantly reduced ability to react to sudden changes in traffic, notice a motorcycle, or perceive a motorcyclist's defensive maneuvers.
5. Following Too Closely
Tailgating is dangerous for all vehicles, but for a motorcycle, it can be deadly. A motorcyclist may need to brake suddenly to avoid a hazard, and a car following too closely may not have enough time or space to stop, leading to a rear-end collision. Due to a motorcycle's lack of a protective shell, a rear-end collision can have far more serious consequences than it would for a car driver.
6. Opening a Car Door Without Caution
"Dooring" is a specific and highly dangerous type of accident. A driver or passenger might open their car door into the path of an oncoming motorcycle, especially in urban areas with parallel parking. This gives the motorcyclist no time to react and can cause them to crash directly into the door or be thrown into the path of other traffic.
Seek Legal Help From Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
By recognizing these common driver errors, we can all become more vigilant road users. Drivers must be especially attentive to the presence of motorcycles, and motorcyclists should continue to practice defensive riding.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a driver's negligence, it is important to know your rights. The experienced attorneys at McNabola & Associates, LLC understand the complexities of motorcycle accident cases and can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at (312) 888-8700 for a free consultation today.