Distracted Drivers Cause Most Motorcycle Accidents

Distracted driving is any activity that can take the driver’s attention from the road. The most common distractions include using a phone (checking emails or texting), eating, talking, or even changing radio stations. Disastrous consequences can come to those that are taking their eyes of the road for a few seconds. Think about it this way, if you are traveling 45 mph and you look away for 2 seconds, you have allowed the car to travel over 100 feet without any supervision.
Danger to Motorcyclists
For many, the grandeur of being on a motorcycle is quite undeniable. Freedom and open roads allow motorcyclists a chance to relax, have fun, bond with other motorcyclists, and in general, offer a kind of enjoyment not easy to find elsewhere. A distracted driver can end this enjoyment in a blink of an eye.
Most distracted drivers break road laws by missing stop signs or not correctly yielding the right of way. Often cars that make left turns do not look for motorcyclists. For example, drivers that fail to yield the right of way are responsible for over 35% of motorcycle crashes. To give perspective, distracted motorcyclists are only responsible for 7% of all motorcycle accidents.
Protect Yourself
Drive Defensively – Don’t speed, don’t tailgate, assume that all drivers don’t see you.
Service your Bike – Have a properly functioning motorcycle. It would be disastrous if suddenly your breaks go out when you need them.
Proper Safety – Wear appropriate safety equipment such as wrist guards, leather clothing, a helmet, and any other equipment to prevent/mitigate injuries.