6 Mistakes Drivers Make That Put Motorcyclists in Danger

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

There’s something thrilling about the open road on two wheels: the wind in your face, the raw connection to the machine, the hyper-awareness of every vehicle around you. But for motorcyclists, that thrill comes with serious risks. A mistake from another driver isn’t just frustrating. It puts motorcyclists in danger of being injured in a crash.

Motorcycles account for a small percentage of vehicles on the road, yet motorcyclists are far more likely to get seriously injured or die in crashes than people in passenger cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riders are about 24 times more likely to be killed per vehicle mile traveled.

Here are six common mistakes drivers make that lead to serious and fatal motorcycle accidents.

1. Not checking blind spots before changing lanes

Many California drivers take a quick glance at their side mirrors and make their move. But motorcycles are smaller than cars, and they can easily disappear in those blind spots, especially in fast-moving traffic.

Failing to do a proper head check is one of the fastest ways to sideswipe a rider. Drivers should get into the habit of doing a full over-the-shoulder check every time they change lanes. This habit should be made second nature. While blind spot monitors are great, drivers shouldn’t rely on them alone.

2. Misjudging how fast a motorcycle is going

When drivers are waiting to turn left, they might see a motorcycle coming and think, “I’ve got time.” But motorcycles can appear farther away than they really are, and they often move faster than many drivers realize.

Our brains are trained to assess the speed of larger objects better than smaller ones. So, when a motorcycle approaches, many drivers pull out thinking they’ve got a safe window. They don’t.

Giving up 5 seconds to wait for a motorcyclist to pass is worth avoiding a devastating crash. Drivers should always assume the bike is going faster and is closer than it looks.

3. Tailgating riders

Some drivers follow motorcycles like they would a car. Even worse, they follow riders like they’re in a rush to make them go faster. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Motorcycles don’t brake the same way cars do. Riders often slow down by easing off the throttle or downshifting, which means their brake lights might not even come on. Drivers who tailgate motorcyclists often don’t have much time to react.

Rear-ending a bike isn’t the equivalent of a fender bender with another car. It’s potentially life-ending for the motorcyclist. A rider can be thrown off their bike and seriously hurt, or worse. That’s why it’s important that drivers keep a three- to four-second gap between themselves and a motorcycle. The distance should be even greater if the weather’s bad.

4. Opening car doors into traffic without looking

This happens more often than people think, especially in cities where bikes ride closer to parked cars. These “dooring” incidents are jarring, brutal, and avoidable.

To prevent this, drivers and passengers should use the “Dutch Reach.” That’s when you open the car door with your opposite hand (right hand for drivers). It forces the body to twist, so drivers or passengers look over their shoulder and check for bikes.

5. Turning left without yielding

If there’s one move that kills motorcyclists more than any other, it’s turning left without yielding. This is by far the most common type of fatal crash involving motorcycles and cars. It’s usually because the driver either didn’t see the motorcycle or misjudged how fast it was going. When waiting to turn left, drivers should double-check for motorcycles, not just cars.

6. Driving distracted

We live in a world where everyone is constantly checking messages and notifications, fiddling with a GPS, and changing playlists. But distracted driving is lethal, especially for motorcyclists.

It only takes a second of looking away to drift into another lane, miss a stop sign, or blow through an intersection. Motorcycles are already harder to see than cars. Add distraction, and you’ve got a deadly mix.

To prevent this, drivers should put their cell phones on “Do Not Disturb” and set their GPS devices before moving. They should also make it a habit to scan for bikes every few seconds.

Our law firm fights for injured riders

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in the Bay Area, now is the time to act. Start by speaking with the legal team at Clancy & Diaz, LLP. Insurance companies aren’t usually on your side, and they often have a bias against motorcyclists. That’s where we come in.

Our experienced Bay Area lawyers know what’s at stake. We’ve helped injured motorcyclists and their families recover full compensation for medical bills, lost income, bike repairs, and more.

During your free consultation, we’ll take the time to hear your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options as clearly as possible. There’s no pressure and no obligation to hire us. If we take your case, you won’t pay a dime upfront. That’s because we work on a contingency fee basis, and we only get paid if we win.

Our law firm proudly serves motorcycle accident victims throughout Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, Benicia, and the greater Northern California Bay Area. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let our team take the legal burden off your shoulders.

“Pete Clancy and Rachel Perez were proactive, smart, and incredibly responsive throughout the entire process. They helped me navigate a complex and stressful situation and ultimately guided me to a great outcome.” — Tyler S., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐