Intersection Motorcycle Accidents In Pennsylvania
Many Pennsylvanians choose to ride motorcycles because of the sense of freedom they offer, their affordability and fuel economy, and the ability to move quickly through traffic. While motorcycles offer many advantages over passenger vehicles, they also place riders at a higher risk of serious injury or death when they are involved in accidents because of their lack of safety features, the lower mass of the bikes as compared to other vehicles, and the relative lack of protection of the rider from the physical environment surrounding the bike. One type of accident that can be serious is a motorcycle intersection accident. When a motorist fails to pay attention and strikes an oncoming motorcyclist while turning or runs a red light and collides with a motorcyclist crossing through, the biker can be seriously injured or killed.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,014 fatal motorcycle collisions occurred in 2019. Out of these fatal accidents, 34% occurred in intersections, or around 1,704 fatal motorcycle intersection accidents. Because of the heightened risks that motorcyclists face, you must take steps to avoid intersection accidents. Here is some information from the attorneys at Raynes & Lawn about intersection accidents, how to avoid them, and what to do if you are injured in a motorcycle collision.
Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents At Intersections
Understanding the common causes of motorcycle intersection accidents can help you know what to do to avoid them.
Some of the most common factors that contribute to motorcycle collisions in intersections include the following:
- Motor vehicle drivers or motorcyclists running red lights or stop signs
- Motor vehicle drivers failing to check for motorcycles before turning
- Failing to yield to motorcyclists traveling through an intersection while turning
- Impaired or distracted driving
- Visual obstructions that obscure the motorist’s side or front view
- Motorists failing to slow down in time to avoid striking a stopped motorcycle at an intersection from the rear
- Driving too fast in inclement weather resulting in a loss of control at an intersection
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to avoid intersection accidents while you are riding as detailed below.
Avoiding Accidents At Intersections
While you cannot control what other drivers do, you can still take proactive measures to reduce your risks of being involved in an intersection accident while riding your motorcycle. Here are some steps you can take to prevent intersection accident involvement.
1. Slow Down When Approaching Intersections
Even if you have a green light, you should slow down as you are approaching an intersection. Start applying your brakes early to avoid rear-end collisions or losing control of your bike. Check both ways even if the light is green to look for oncoming motorists who look like they might run red lights and those who are preparing to turn across your path.
2. Anticipate What Other Drivers Might Do
Always look ahead while riding your motorcycle, and pay attention to what other drivers are doing. Watch for indications that a motor vehicle driver might move into your path, and plan a route to go if a motorist enters an intersection to avoid him or her even though you have the right of way.
3. Don’t Rely on Turn Signals to Indicate What a Driver Might Do
Many motorists fail to use their turn signals. You should watch for other signs that a motorist might be intending to turn, including the direction of the driver’s head, the tire directions, and the driver slowing down to prepare to take a turn.
4. Look for Obstructions
Note any obstructions that might prevent you from seeing around a corner at an intersection, including shrubs and buildings. Remember that if you can’t see a motor vehicle, the driver also cannot see you. When a visual obstruction is present, slow down and proceed with caution.
5. Be More Visible
Many motorists fail to recognize motorcycles in their environment because of their smaller sizes. You should make sure that you and your bike are as visible as possible, including during the day. Always wear bright clothing and reflective gear, and include reflective strips on your bike. Make sure your lights are always on so that other motorists are likelier to see you.
6. Be More Cautious in Low Visibility
Exercise additional caution when riding in periods of low visibility. If the weather is poor, consider choosing another mode of transportation if possible.
7. Avoid Blind Spots
When you are proceeding through intersections on multi-lane roads, avoid riding in an adjacent vehicle’s blind spots. Don’t pass at intersections.
8. Look Before Proceeding
If you are stopped at an intersection, look before proceeding when the light turns green. Some motorists traveling in the opposite direction might speed through and run a red light while attempting to make it before the light changes.
What To Do If You’re In An Intersection Motorcycle Accident
Even when you are cautious, intersection accidents can still occur.
If you are involved in an intersection motorcycle accident, take the following steps.
- Check yourself for injuries and address those that appear serious.
- Call 911 or ask a bystander to do so for you.
- Document the accident scene before you move your bike, including your injuries, the position of your bike and the other vheicle, and the debris trail by taking photographs.
- If any witnesses saw your crash, ask for their names and contact information.
- Take photographs or video of the scene.
- Seek immediate medical attention to address your injuries.
- Contact an attorney.
Talk To An Experienced Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident while traveling through an intersection because of the other driver’s negligence, you should reach out to an experienced Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorney at Raynes & Lawn. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of experience fighting for the rights of motorcycle accident victims who have been seriously injured because of the negligence of others. To learn more about your legal options and rights, call us today at 1-800-535-1797 for a free case evaluation.
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