While you and other motorists in Tennessee may feel as though the majority of motorcycle accidents in the state are caused by irresponsible and reckless motorcyclists, researchers found that drivers may be more at fault when it comes to causing catastrophic collisions. You may have heard other drivers complain of negligent motorcyclists weaving in and out of traffic and pulling out in front of vehicles. However, a study conducted at the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research reported that other motorists are responsible for motorcycle accidents approximately 60 percent of the time.
The study found that many motorcycle collisions are caused by motorists who unintentionally pull out in front of motorcyclists, cutting them off. Furthermore, vehicles making left-hand turns may underestimate the speed and/or distance of an oncoming motorcycle and fail to yield.
As a motorcyclist, you can decrease your risk of becoming involved in an accident by wearing the right types of protective equipment and riding defensively in heavy traffic conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should always use turn signals and try to remain in a spot that is visible to other motorists. If you are driving another type of vehicle, however, it is crucial that you keep on the lookout and drive safely around motorcycles when traveling along state roadways. Motorists should never drive while distracted, drunk or drowsy to avoid causing serious harm to others.
This information is only intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.