Whether it’s going for a ride on the weekend or commuting to work each day, motorcycles are a popular mode of transport in Washington state. In fact, there are over 200,000 registered motorcycles in this state alone.
Motorcyclists are expected to adhere to the same rules of the road as other drivers, and they also receive the same legal protections and privileges. Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles do occur and it is usually the bikers who come off worse in terms of injuries. It can be helpful to identify some of the more common hazards that motorcyclists face when trying to be proactive about keeping these travelers safe. Outlined below are a few things to keep in mind.
Opening doors
If another car bumps into a stationary vehicle where the driver has just opened the door to get out, it’s likely that both parties might escape serious injury. If a motorcyclist faces the same scenario, then serious injuries are almost an inevitability. Dooring incidents are one of the most significant hazards that motorcyclists face. If a driver opens their door while a motorbike is approaching, then the rider is likely to be launched from the bike at high speeds.
Lane changing
Most people on the roads have somewhere they need to be. In some cases, a driver might be late for work or in danger of missing an appointment. In such scenarios, drivers may be tempted to behave more erratically, such as changing lanes and overtaking. Conduct like this has the potential to put motorcyclists in danger because bikes can be harder to spot. There is a phenomenon known as inattentional blindness, which means that drivers fail to spot motorcycles even when they are in plain view. As a result, being particularly careful when changing lanes is a truly important effort.
Motorcyclists have as much right to feel safe on the roadways as anyone else. If you have been injured due to the negligence of someone else, know that you have rights and that seeking legal guidance can help to clarify them.