Motorcycle accidents are more likely to cause serious injury or death than accidents involving other vehicle types. An accident situation that would cause a minor fender-bender between two cars could be fatal if a motorcycle were involved.

One important advantage of the motorcyclist is that he has an unobstructed view of the road. This superior situational awareness can be used to anticipate and avoid the common types of motorcycle accidents. Two of these are covered below.

Car Makes a Left Turn into the Motorcyclist

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. Because of this, motorists who are mostly looking out for other cars frequently don't see the motorcycle. The accident happens when the motorcycle is driving straight through the intersection and the car in the opposite lane makes a left turn in front of the motorcycle.

The motorcyclist can avoid this type of accident by keeping this accident scenario in mind whenever he is on the road. Every time he passes through an intersection, he should be actively looking for signs that a car is about to make a left turn in front of him. Is the driver looking at him or for an opening in the traffic to pull out?

If the driver seems primed to react to a traffic opening, the motorcyclist should slow down and be ready to take evasive action. One can tell if a car is about to turn left by its positioning in the road as well as where its front wheels are pointing. The seasoned motorcyclist can size up all of these cues at a glance.

Car Makes a Lane Change into the Motorcyclist

On a multilane highway, a car in the lane next to the motorcyclist can suddenly move into the same space he is occupying. This happens because cars have blind spots and drivers don't check them by looking over their shoulders. The motorcyclist should anticipate this situation and try to minimize the time he spends in the car's blind spot. If the motorcyclist can see the driver's eyes in one of their mirrors, then the driver can also see him.

When coming up alongside another car, check for indications that the driver is about to change lanes. These could be a turn signal, slight weaving of the car as the driver checks traffic before turning and the driver turning his head.

Always keep an eye open for dangerous traffic situations like the two above. If you also drive a car, then you know how cars behave in various traffic situations. Use that knowledge to help you anticipate their mistakes on the road. Think about them and plan how you will react.