Virginia has passed a new law to remedy a frustrating problem for motorcyclists, bicyclists and moped riders. Some of the state's traffic lights have sensors that turn the light green only if a vehicle is sensed, but most bikes are too small to set off the sensors.
The new law allows operators of smaller vehicles to run red lights after waiting for two complete light cycles or for two minutes, whichever comes first. However, the cyclists are liable for any accidents that may occur and are warned to proceed through the red light with caution and yield to oncoming traffic.
Eleven other states have similar laws. One of these is Illinois, where a nearly identical law was recently passed in May.
Dangers for Motorcycles
Half of all motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle, usually due to the driver of the vehicle not seeing the motorcycle. Visibility remains one of the most dangerous safety issues for motorcyclists.
Because they are smaller in size, motorcycles can be hidden behind other vehicles and missed in blind spots. Motorists should actively look for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
Motorists should be aware that the small, single headlight on most motorcycles makes it difficult to judge the speed and distance of the oncoming bike. Drivers may think they have time to make that turn before the motorcycle reaches them, but a deadly accident could result from one poor judgment.
Of all crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, 70 percent occur at intersections. Motorists should be aware and on alert for any oncoming vehicles, especially motorcycles.
Motorcyclists usually ride with a larger space barrier between themselves and other vehicles as a safety precaution. Motorists should respect this space and not tailgate or cut in front of a motorcyclist.
Of all crashes involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, two thirds are a result of the driver of the other vehicle failing to yield to the motorcyclist's right of way, making them at fault.
While pot holes, oil spills, ruts, puddles and road debris are annoying for other drivers, they are deadly for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists may need extra time to react to these road hazards.
Motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die and five times more likely to be injured in a traffic crash than a passenger in another vehicle. Drivers should be aware of the specific dangers for motorcyclists and of ways they can help to improve highway safety for everyone.
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