Think of the last time you drove for awhile on the highway. It’s probably safe to say that you saw an accident or two on the side of the road. Most drivers are probably aware of the risks that come along with driving and they hopefully take extra precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others when they are on the road. However, even the most cautious drivers may be surprised to learn they have a psychological blind spot when it comes to driving a motorcycle.
Urban areas like New York are often home to large populations or motorcyclists. The great gas mileage, easy maneuverability on small and crowded city streets, and reasonable cost of the vehicle make motorcycles an attractive option for city-dwellers who want to save money when it comes to vehicles, as well as save time in getting from place to place in a traffic-plagued neighborhood. Unfortunately, this seemingly cheaper option sometimes comes with a much higher price: the fatality rate in motorcycles accidents is 35% higher than the fatality rate for drivers of traditional automobiles.
According to many, this high fatality rate for motorcyclists is due to the lack of vehicle protection that a motorcycle provides-since riders are exposed to the elements without any doors or structure to contain them. Or, it could be the negligence of the driver to wear protective gear and operate the vehicle responsibly. As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys, we know that statistics show a different story. Findings from multiple studies, and even our own cases, show that the majority of motorcycle accidents are actually caused by the negligence of automobile drivers.
The number one cause of motorcycle accidents is the Psychological Blind Spot. An interesting phenomenon occurs when some drivers who did not see a motorcycle in their mirrors simply because they were looking for an automobile, which looks very different from a motorcycle.
Many experts have dubbed this idea a driver’s psychological blind spot. Other times, drivers do not see motorcycles simply because of negligence. The driver may not be checking their physical blind spots by turning and examining out the window, or they might be distracted by their phone and/or the radio.
Whether it’s a psychological blind spot, actual blind spot, or simply unsafe driving, the greatest danger to motorcyclists is the negligence of other vehicles on the roads, which they have no control over.
It is crucial that automobile drivers take steps while on the road to improve their visibility, both physically and psychologically. Since we at the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny have dealt with a number of motorcycle accidents over the past 25 years, we have some tips for motorcyclists for navigating the roads safely.
First, be sure to wear bright protective gear. A helmet, clothes that cover every body part, and reflectors are crucial every time a motorcyclist hits the road. Also, stay out of blind spots. We know that drivers fail to always look at their blindspots, so its is safer to just stay out of them while on a motorcycle. Next, be sure to invest in a light modulator
As for drivers, we also have tips for you when driving around motorcycles. Always check your blind spot, and do it often. Please wait to turn in front of oncoming motorcycles so you can ensure that they are gone and out of the way to avoid an accident. Also, put down your phone when driving. Not only is it illegal, but it is plain dangerous to be operating a phone while driving. Distractions never lead to anything good for drivers.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, call our office today. Our attorneys have over a combined century of experience dealing with motorcycle cases in and around New York City and have sustained over $100 million in settlements and verdicts to prove our success record. We have spent countless hours analyzing motorcycle accidents and cases to see if the drivers were utilizing all of the requried safety equipment and we do everything from check red light camera footage to speaking with expert witnesses to make sure the truth is told. Call our office today to figure our your next steps in your motorcycle accident. We are here to help you.
