If you’re a motorcycle rider, you know there is no better way to travel than on two wheels. You can’t wait to hit the road once warmer weather arrives.
But there’s a reason why May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. With the increase of motorcycles on the road comes a greater risk of catastrophic accidents.
The danger of left-hand turns
Left-turning vehicles are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. In fact, they account for almost half of all accidents involving motorcycles and cars.
Left turns are dangerous for motorcyclists because they require the rider to cross oncoming traffic, increasing their risk of colliding with another vehicle. Some drivers may not see a motorcyclist or misjudge their speed, making it difficult to anticipate their actions.
Additionally, when a car makes a left turn, the driver may focus more on looking for other vehicles coming from the opposite direction rather than scanning the road for motorcyclists. This can make it challenging for motorcyclists to predict which way the car will turn, whether they will stop before turning, and how much time they have to maneuver around them.
Another issue is that left-hand turns often occur at busy intersections or junctions. Motorcyclists may find themselves waiting in the middle of the intersection for a break in oncoming traffic to make their turn. Often, a motorcycle’s size and visual profile can easily be overlooked by other motorists. This puts them at additional risk of being struck by a distracted driver, running a red light, or failing to yield.
It is important to remember that another individual’s negligence causes most motorcycle accidents. You can do your part to stay safe by using defensive driving techniques, wearing protective gear (such as helmets and jackets), and staying alert while on the road.