In the United States, motorcycle accidents account for a significant portion of collisions involving other motor vehicles – roughly 56 percent. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of motorcycle and automobile collisions are severe, with nearly 80 percent of cases involving a head-on collision, circumstances that typically prove fatal for the motorcyclist.

Due to the dangers and severity of these types of accidents, it is increasingly important for both motorcyclists and other motorists alike to exercise additional caution when navigating the state’s densely populated roadways. Failure to do so elevates the risk that an incident, even a fatal one, may occur.

However, despite many attempts to eliminate distraction behind the wheel, many collisions involving motorcyclists continue to involve a degree of carelessness or even negligence. For example, the most common, and dangerous, situation for motorcycle operators continues to be when cars make left-hand turns and strike the motorcyclist while they are:

• Passing the vehicle
• Proceeding straight through the intersection
• Attempting to overtake the car

Though this scenario is common in situations involving two automobiles or trucks, the fact that the motorcycle is both smaller and size and more exposed makes the rider that much more vulnerable to significant personal injury, including:

• Broken bones
• Head or brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Cuts, bruises, and other abrasions
• Post-traumatic stress or related emotional disorders