Cars and motorcycles might share the road, but they're obviously pretty different in size and speed. Those differences mean lots of accidents happen between them. Understanding the common types of collisions can help make things safer for both bikers and drivers.
This article talks about the kinds of car-motorcycle crashes that are most common, why they happen so much, and what we can do to prevent them.
1. Left-Turn Collisions
One of the most dangerous situations on the road happens when a car turning left crosses the path of a motorcycle headed straight through an intersection. These collisions put riders at high risk since bikes have less protection, and the two vehicles are often moving rapidly with little reaction time.
Causes
For starters, bikes can be tricky to spot, especially if sightlines are blocked by other cars or bad weather. Drivers also tend to underestimate the actual speed of oncoming motorcycles. And simple distraction - yelling kids, a buzzing phone - may pull their attention away from noticing a fast-approaching bike.
Prevention
Training drivers to actively scan for motorcycles is key, as is reminding bikers to make themselves more visible with daytime headlights. Ultimately, both riders and drivers staying alert, avoiding distractions and anticipating potential risks through defensive techniques can help guard against paths fatally crossing. Because while we all share the road, motorcyclists pay the highest price in any car-bike collision. Staying attuned to each other keeps everyone safer.
2. Rear-End Collisions
Another prime set-up for motorcycle mishaps happens when cars plow into the back of bikes - "rear-enders" in traffic language. These chain-reaction wrecks tend to occur in congested urban areas or when traffic suddenly slows, and drivers fail to notice a motorcycle braking ahead.
Causes
Tailgating tends to be the culprit in many of these crashes. Drivers unknowingly follow too closely behind a bike, not recognizing motorcycles need extra room to stop compared to four-wheel vehicles. Quick road hazards can also prompt bikers to brake hard without warning, leaving the trailing car little time to react. And everyday distractions inside our rides - text messages, rowdy kids, even a dropped water bottle - can shift focus from the path ahead.
Prevention
First, drivers need to leave ample distance between their front bumper and a motorcycle's rear tire at all times. Staying alert to changing road conditions helps both motorists and bikers anticipate sudden stops. And minimizing distractions is a must to keep eyes locked on the vehicles around us, especially smaller cycles that can be obscured in blind spots. Staying tuned-in to those on two wheels makes for smoother, safer travels for all.
3. Lane-Change Collisions
Highways crammed with vehicles zipping between lanes pose prime dangers to motorcycles - weaving cars can easily fail to notice a bike in their blindspots before an abrupt lane change. These "lane leap" crashes most frequently occur on congested expressways as riders and drivers jockey for position in heavy traffic.
Causes
The problem often boils down to illumination - or lack thereof and this is common problem in New Jersey and other east coast states. Motorcycles get obscured behind and alongside hulking vehicles, tucked out of sight in hard-to-see zones. Drivers jumping lanes rarely think to double-check for vanishing two-wheelers. And those raring to rocket down the fast lane at extreme speeds might suddenly materialize in an adjacent lane, surprising motorists seeking to switch spots.
Prevention
Drivers should tap their signals long before changing trajectory - that flashing light alerts riders to impending lane leaps. Checking blind spots with a head turn and mirror sweep helps detect motorcycles possibly pacing us. And riders should maintain moderate speeds and smart spacing to stay safely visible while navigating the
Jersey Turnpike and other high traffic freeways! Because while we all covet the fastest route, no one wants to pay for speed with tragedy. A little heads-up goes a long way in keeping lane changes safe for all on the road.
4. Head-On Collisions
Few crashes spell danger more than the head-on variety between cars and bikes. When vehicles moving fast from opposing directions smash into each other, the outcomes turn devastating.
Causes
Sometimes, drivers stray across the center line - drowsy, distracted, or intoxicated - and plow into an oncoming motorcycle. Other times, risky passing maneuvers with blocked views prompt both riders and motorists to veer suddenly into the path of a vehicle in the opposing lane.
Prevention
Thankfully, precautionary measures can help steer clear of these tragic crashes. Staying focused on the road and ditching distractions keeps both bikers and drivers from wandering astray. And refraining from overtaking in dicey spots with limited visibility removes the temptation to charge blindly into the unknown. Finally, not every motorcycle crash can be prevented as these bikes are inherently dangerous. If you want to sell your motorcycle or cash out some equity, it helps to work with a company in New Jersey like
Premier Title Loans as they can offer funding if you’re ready to turn in your motorcycle.
Stay Safe On Your Motorcycle!
Avoiding motorcycle mishaps requires effort from all who share the roads. By understanding how collisions occur and pledging collective responsibility, drivers and riders can implement preventative practices that save lives. Through extra insight and care for each other, we can journey onward more safely. No one should have their trip destroyed in the blink of an eye at high speeds. Keeping our eyes up and on the prize of safety for all road users is key.
