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Motorists
tend to look for other cars, not for smaller vehicles
like motorcycles, and since the physical profile
of a motorcyclist is much smaller than a car, the
motorcycle is not noticed. |
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Estimating
a motorcyclist's distance and speed is difficult
for many drivers. |
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Motorcycle
riding requires frequent lane movement to adjust
to changing road conditions, which makes it harder
for drivers to keep track of a motorcyclist's location.
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Turn
signals are not self-canceling on most motorcycles.
Before you make a lane change or turn that depends
on what a motorcycle's path is, be sure you know
what the motorcyclist is doing. Watch for clues
such as operators or passengers turning their heads
to look behind, or operators beginning to lean or
tilt their motorcycles. |
Accidents
between cars and motorcycles are most likely to occur
in the following situations:
a)
Left Turns. The most common accident between cars and
motorcycles is at intersections, when an automobile
driver is making a left turn in front of an oncoming
motorcycle. Over 40% of all motorcycle accidents occur
at intersections.
b)
Car’s Blind Spot. Motorcyclists riding alongside
a lane of cars are often out of the view of the driver
in the car's "blind spot". An unsuspecting
driver may collide with a motorcyclist as the driver
tries to change lanes.
c)
Hazardous Road Conditions. Motorcyclists have to be
much more concerned about road obstructions such as
pot holes, fallen tree branches, and railroad tracks.
These may be minor problems for drivers but are serious
concerns to motorcyclists that may require them to slow
down or change lanes.
d)
Weather Conditions. When the road is wet or icy, motorcyclists'
braking and handling abilities are impaired.
e)
Strong Winds. A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle
across an entire lane if the rider is not prepared for
it. Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lanes
can also be a hazard.
f)
Obscured Visibility. Large vehicles such as vans,
buses or trucks can block a motorcyclist from a driver’s
view. The motorcyclist may seem to suddenly appear from
nowhere.
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