Vanessa Beanland, a researcher at the Australian National University, conducted a study among 40 adult drivers to understand why drivers often fail to notice motorcyclists. The participants were positioned in a simulator to record their reaction to motorcycles and buses. Respondents were quick to notice the vehicles most often used on the test. For example, those who were tested with more buses were quick to detect and respond to buses, but were less attentive to motorcycles. The study concluded that because motorcycles represent only one percent of motor vehicles on the roads, drivers often fail to notice motorcyclists.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents occur for many reasons. In many cases, accidents take place at road intersections when a motorist fails to yield to a motorcyclist. This type of accident often occurs when the driver does not see an approaching motorcycle and collides with it.

The majority of accidents involving a car and a motorcycle are caused by a motorist's negligent or inattentive driving. A driver may not check for an approaching motorcycle before pulling out onto the road, resulting in fatal accidents. Some drivers depend only on their peripheral vision. A driver may misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle. Or maybe they have a misconception that the person driving a smaller vehicle has the responsibility to stop and yield to a larger vehicle. This type of negligent, careless driving often results in fatal motorcycle accidents.

Distracted Driving and Motorcycle Accidents

Distracted driving is another cause of motorcycle accidents. A distracted driver may be busy talking on a phone, texting, or performing other activities while driving. These distractions cause a driver to be cognitively distracted, meaning they may see an approaching motorcyclist, but will not respond to an impending danger in time.

Defensive Driving for Motorcyclists

Be extra careful when sharing the road with cars, buses, or trucks. Assume that a motorist may fail to notice you. When riding through an intersection or other accident prone areas, be prepared for situations where a driver may pull out on the road without noticing you. Never forget to wear a helmet while riding.

If you get injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, discuss your case with a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney from Willens Law Offices. Call us today at (312) 957-4166.