The year-round pleasant temperatures in Fort Lauderdale make motorcycling a popular means of travel. Whether you ride for leisure or as part of your day-to-day business, it may go without saying that a motorcyclist risks serious injury or death if they are in a collision with an automobile. After all, an automobile with seatbelts, airbags and crumple zones simply provides more safety, not to mention the fact that automobiles weighing thousands of pounds have sheer physics on their side in the event of a motorcycle accident. The following are four common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Left-hand turns
Drivers making a left-hand turn in front of a motorcyclist is the most common type of motorcycle crash. The driver will not be aware of the motorcycle’s presence due to daydreaming, distraction or even psychology. After all, many drivers looking for other cars at an intersection only look for the absence of cars, not the presence of the motorcyclist. Even if the driver does see the motorcyclist, they may misjudge the motorcyclist’s speed upon entering an intersection.
Lane changes
On multi-lane roads or highways, it sometimes happens that a driver in another lane suddenly crosses into the lane occupied by a motorcyclist, striking the motorcyclist. This may be the case if the motorcyclist is in the driver’s blind spot. However, it is the duty of drivers to check their blind spots before changing lanes.
Rear-end collisions
Sometimes a motorcyclist is stopped at an intersection when an inattentive motorist strikes them from behind at a high rate of speed. What may be a minor “fender bender” when two automobiles collide, a fender bender between an automobile and a motorcyclist can prove to be deadly for the motorcyclist.
Dooring
In many places in Fort Lauderdale, cars have to park on the side of the road. Inattentive drivers and passengers then may open their doors into oncoming traffic, meaning a motorcyclist can unexpectedly collide with the door. Drivers and their passengers should always look first when opening their door into active traffic.
Learn more about auto accidents in Florida
Motorcyclists can ride safely, wear protective clothing and wear a helmet, but even with all these precautions they are susceptible to major injuries or death if they are struck by a car. This post is for educational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Those who are interested in learning more about auto accidents in Florida are encouraged to explore our firm’s website for further information.