How to Best Avoid Left Turn Motorcycle Accidents

Posted on June 14, 2017

According to a study sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most frequent motorcycle accident occurs when a passenger vehicle obstructs the right-of way of the motorcyclist at an intersection. This generally entails a passenger vehicle turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle without looking to see it coming. While this sort of incident should concern all who operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle, the results are much more devastating for the latter.

It seems quite simple, but the best way to avoid this nightmare scenario is to be aware. Always be cognizant of your positioning on the road so that you can have a clear sight of left-turn lanes and oncoming traffic. Keep your distance from a driver in front of you so he or she doesn’t impede your view as well. You’ve heard it time and time again, but it’s important that you don’t speed. Not only does this make it more difficult for them to see you when turning, but it’s also more difficult for you to put the brakes on in time. The window for you to find your escape route in a vulnerable situation is limited, so try to maximize it as much as possible. Also, if a light just turned green for you, the motorcyclist, then it must have just turned red for an anxious driver trying to beat the light at an intersection. Make sure to keep your bearings in such a circumstance.

However, even with taking these precautions, some accidents are unavoidable. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, call us at (212) 986-3030 and you may be able to receive compensation for you injuries.