Motorcycles offer thrilling rides, maneuverability, and a sense of freedom. However, riding a motorcycle involves significant risks, particularly in traffic. Many drivers of cars and trucks often have a difficult time seeing motorcycles on the road, especially given the fact that motorcycles are commonly smaller than even the smallest auto. This creates risk for motorcycle drivers that includes being involved in an accident. Motorcycle accidents are commonly caused by distracted driving and can result in devastating consequences for drivers of passenger vehicles as well as motorcycle drivers.
The Briggs Law firm believes that motorcyclists deserve the same safe driving experience, rules of the road, and respect as any other driver. Distracted drivers need to be held accountable for motorcycle accidents. Below we discuss why auto drivers fail to see motorcycles on the road, the dangers of driving distractions and motorcycles in traffic, as well as how an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can help hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they cause to victims.
Dangers of Distracted Driving and Motorcycles in Traffic
According to distracted driving statistics, there were over 9,400 crashes involving a motorcycle in Florida in 2024 alone. Distracted drivers are one of the leading causes of these traffic accidents that have resulted in bodily injuries, property damage, or deaths. Combined with factors such as vulnerabilities, less visibility, and lack of protective barriers that other vehicles have, distracted drivers and motorcycles on the road can result in extreme consequences for motorcyclists.
Because of their size, motorcycles can be harder to see in blind spots. Distracted driving – typically caused by losing focus, texting, eating, adjusting GPS, etc. – makes it difficult for motorcyclists to be noticed on the road. It only takes a second or even less for a distracted driver to merge into another lane and collide with a motorcycle or rear-end a motorcyclist before stopping. The delayed response when distracted means that drivers cannot take evasive action quickly enough when they see a motorcycle on the road. These circumstances can result in severe injuries or fatalities for motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
If you are a motorcyclist in the Ocala and Marion County area and have been injured in an accident involving a car or other motor vehicle, it’s vital that you speak to an experienced motorcycle accident attorney such as at The Briggs Law Firm. We believe that every client deserves comprehensive representation that protects his or her rights and effectively pursues the compensation needed to overcome the challenges presented by his or her injuries.
Randy Briggs – a senior partner of the firm – is a motorcyclist himself, and he has a special appreciation for other motorcyclists and the dangers that they face on Florida roads. He has decades of motorcycle riding experience, has completed training by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and has been a member of the Harley Owners Group since 1995. Mr. Briggs’ experience makes him more than qualified to represent other motorcyclists who have been injured in a traffic accident and to protect their rights.
Why Drivers Fail to See Motorcycles on the Road
Distractions are common and are all around us, but they are especially dangerous when driving. Texting, eating, adjusting the GPS, adjusting the car’s entertainment system, and talking to other passengers in the vehicle all contribute to driver preoccupation. This lack of focus diminishes the ability to detect motorcycles on the road, and the consequences can result in severe injuries or fatalities for the motorcyclist.
The failure of drivers to see motorcycles in traffic is not always due to malice. Several factors contribute to drivers’ inability to see motorcycles. One factor is the smaller size of motorcycles. It can be exceedingly difficult for drivers to see motorcycles, especially in complex traffic environments. The thinner profile of motorcycles can blend into the background, making them hard to detect when they are obscured by other vehicles on the road, especially in instances of lane splitting. Lane sharing and lane splitting are currently illegal in the state of Florida.
Another factor is the environment. Motorcycles can easily conceal themselves in blind spots, particularly in traffic. The angles and movements of both cars and motorcycles can result in split-second decisions, during which a motorcycle may go unseen. Weather conditions and poor road visibility can further compound the issue.
Cognitive bias is another reason drivers may not see motorcyclists. Cars, trucks, and SUVs dominate the road, often leading drivers to overlook smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. This is exacerbated by the speed at which motorcycles can travel, making it challenging for drivers to judge their distance and speed accurately.
Driver Responsibility: How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Preventing motorcycle accidents requires a collective effort from everyone on the road. While some factors contributing to motorcycle accidents are beyond a driver’s control, the majority are preventable through responsible driving habits and a conscious effort to improve awareness. Here’s what drivers can do:
- Avoid distractions. Don’t use a phone to text or look for directions while driving. In Florida, it is illegal to text while driving and to use a cell phone in a handheld manner while actively driving.
- Expect motorcycles.Remember to expect motorcycles on the road, even if you don’t immediately see them. Actively look for smaller vehicles in your mirrors, blind spots, and when approaching intersections.
- Use turns signals.Signal your intentions to turn clearly and early. This gives motorcyclists ample time to react to your maneuvers.
- Be extra cautious at intersections.Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. Always yield the right-of-way when required and double-check for motorcycles before proceeding.
- Respect motorcyclists’ space. Motorcyclists need space on the road. Drivers should maintain safe distances, avoid tailgating, and never attempt to share lanes with motorcycles. Understanding that motorcycles maneuver differently than cars can help drivers make better decisions.
Despite the best efforts of motorcyclists and responsible drivers, accidents still occur. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from motorcycle accident lawyers.
The Briggs Law Firm is a boutique personal injury law firm that takes clients’ concerns very seriously. We do what we do to stand up for our clients and the real issues that they face. Our experience, knowledge, and tireless work ethic enables our team to obtain the best possible result for each case. Contact us to schedule a meeting with Randy or Bo Briggs and to receive the guidance that you need.