People in the Houma area are fortunate that they can ride their motorcycles pretty much year-round. However, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous due to the careless actions of other drivers on the road. The following is a brief overview of how other drivers can cause motorcycle accidents in Houma.
Left-hand turns
One way a motorist can cause a motorcycle accident is by making a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist. This is the most common type of motorcycle crash. Motorists who do not look for motorcycles in their vicinity before turning or who incorrectly judge the speed at which a motorcyclist is traveling can easily make a left-hand turn in front of the motorcyclist, leading to a collision. Motorists must always be aware of motorcyclists and should not drive while distracted.
Lane changes
Another way a motorist can cause a motorcycle accident is by changing lanes into the space occupied by the motorcyclists. Motorcycles are smaller than automobiles, and some motorists may simply not think of the fact that a motorcyclist could be in the lane next to them or may not check their blind spots when changing lanes. This is another way that motorists can easily cause motorcycle accidents.
Rear-end collisions
Motorcyclists, just like all drivers on the road, must stop at stop signs and red lights. However, an inattentive motorist travelling behind the motorcyclist may not anticipate that there is a red light or stop sign up ahead and may rear-end the motorcyclist. This is especially dangerous as motorcycles do not have crumple zones, air bags or seat belts to protect riders if they are hit by a car.
Dooring
One way motorists cause motorcycle accidents that may be surprising to some occurs when a motorist suddenly opens their door into the area between the traffic lane and side of the road, causing a motorcyclist to crash into it. Motorists must always be aware of motorcycles in their vicinity, just as they would look for other motor vehicles, when opening a door into traffic.
Motorcycling can be dangerous when other drivers are negligent
Ultimately, while motorcycling is an enjoyable means of transportation, it can be dangerous due to the actions of negligent drivers. Drivers in Houma who are distracted or do not look for motorcyclists in their vicinity can easily cause an accident that injures or kills a motorcyclist. Thus, motorcycle awareness is something all drivers should practice.