Motorcycle collisions have the potential to cause devastation. The difference in size between a motorcycle and a four-wheel vehicle creates the potential for a particularly severe crash. Additionally, the motorcycle offers very little physical protection from the force of impact.
Motorcycle riders tend to be very assertive about ensuring their safety. They work hard to maintain their motorcycles, wear the best safety gear and follow traffic safety rules for their own protection. Riders who observe the posted speed limit and avoid alcohol can significantly reduce their chances of a wreck.
However, their biggest safety concern is outside of their control. The conduct of other people in traffic can have devastating consequences for those on motorcycles. Many drivers who hit motorcycles in traffic claim that they didn’t see the motorcycle at issue before colliding with it.
Why do drivers overlook large, loud motorcycles?
Drivers may see, but do not notice, motorcycles
The brain has to manage many tasks simultaneously. It is responsible for subconscious actions, including maintaining a regular heartbeat and respiration. The brain also subconsciously assesses incoming sensory information to help ensure the safety of an individual.
Sights, sounds and even smells can draw people’s attention if the brain identifies a potential source of risk. People in traffic have an abundance of incoming visual information. In fact, they have too much visual information to effectively focus on each unique detail. The brain subconsciously sorts information based on perceived threats.
People almost never overlook school buses or semi-trucks, but they could look right at a motorcycle or pedestrian without consciously realizing what they just saw. Psychological professionals refer to this as inattentional blindness.
People can overcome this tendency to focus on safety threats by intentionally thinking about motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. There are reasons that so many safety advocates have signs and bumper stickers advising people to look twice for motorcycles.
When drivers make a point of intentionally screening for motorcycles, they are less likely to overlook them. Motorcycle riders often wear high-visibility gear, make their motorcycles as loud as possible and try to make eye contact with others in traffic to prevent catastrophic collisions. Unfortunately, they cannot control how other people behave in traffic.
When drivers hit motorcycles, motorcycle riders are at risk of severe injury and extensive property damage losses. Holding an irresponsible driver accountable for causing a motorcycle collision may involve filing an insurance claim or even pursuing a lawsuit, depending on the circumstances.