Who’s to Blame? Motorcycle Safety and Sharing The Road

We’ve seen them driving at full throttle with seemingly no worries in the world. This is what is so attractive about motorcycle driving - the feeling of freedom and power. This is a lethal combination because it can distract a motorcycle driver from motorcycle safety rules.
Did you know that over 90% of all motorcycle accidents were caused by human error and not mechanical or engine failure? The error could have been on either party, and not necessarily on the motorcycle driver.

“Did not see ...”

This is the most common explanation (or excuse) for an accident involving a motorcycle, and the figures show that failure to see the motorcycle, or see it too late to react, is the top reason for accidents. What can be done to remedy this?

First, if one were to strictly observe right-of-way, then accidents will happen. This is because right-of-way can be argued and by that time, it’s too late because the accident already happened.

Second, drivers need to know that in intersections or when making a u-turn, caution is still the predominant attitude to take. Assume nothing and you avoid accidents. This need to get “one up over the other” should be avoided at all costs. You probably don’t even know the person whose lane you’re cutting into, so why even bother stressing him?

Third, figures also show that motorcycle drivers often have insufficient training in driving a motorcycle. But this in no way automatically means motorcycle drivers are the ones to blame. Just as there are badly trained motorcycle drivers, there are also bad car and truck drivers. There are even pedestrians who insist on jaywalking. Thus, for a significant drop in road accidents, anyone who uses the road should have the proper training and license, and make sure to drive with care and caution.

Fourth, proper gear and alertness when driving is essential factors. Many accidents happen but they get aggravated because the drivers involved do not wear helmets, eye wear to protect their vision from foreign objects or the wind. In this case, the motorcycle driver is definitely to blame for his injuries if he disregards basic safety measures like these.

As far as alertness, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is foolish, and even a 10 year old child will know this. One does not even have to be drunk or high to figure in an accident. These substances affect your protective instinct, dull your senses, and slow down your reflexes. Half of the motorcycle accidents that resulted in death had evidence of alcohol consumption, while a more than half of those that did not die, ended up in the hospital with a trauma injury.

Motorcycle safety is not just about driving safely and being conscious of who else is on the road. It also requires you to be magnanimous in sharing the road. Is this really so hard to do?