Intersections are among the most dangerous places a motorcyclist can be. According to NHTSA data, 37% of all fatal motorcycle crashes occurred at intersections—and in most of those cases, another vehicle was involved.
A car making a left turn, a driver running a light, a vehicle pulling out without looking—these are split-second scenarios with life-altering consequences for riders. Here are 6 tips for navigating intersections more safely:
- Slow Down Before You Enter. Reduce your speed as you approach every intersection, even when you have the right of way. This buys you reaction time if a driver does something unexpected. Never assume a green light means the intersection is clear.
- Cover Your Brakes. Position your fingers over the brake lever and your foot near the rear brake pedal as you approach. You should be ready to stop without having to reposition your hands. A fraction of a second can mean the difference between avoiding a collision and being in one.
- Make Yourself Visible. Motorcycles are far smaller than other vehicles, and many intersection crashes happen simply because a driver didn’t see the rider. Ride with your headlight on at all times, position yourself in the lane where you’re most visible to cross-traffic, and avoid lingering in drivers’ blind spots as you approach.
- Keep an Eye Out for Left Turns. A car turning left across your path is one of the most common (and deadly) intersection threats a rider faces. Watch for front wheels beginning to turn, a driver’s head looking across traffic, or a vehicle edging forward. These are signs a turn may be coming regardless of whether you have the right of way.
- Scan Cross-Traffic Before Proceeding. Even when your light turns green, take a beat to scan left and right before accelerating. Red-light runners and distracted drivers don’t stop just because the signal changes. A one-second pause to confirm the intersection is clear costs you almost nothing and could save your life.
- Establish an Escape Route. Before you enter an intersection, identify where you could go if a vehicle suddenly cuts into your path. An escape route—a gap in traffic, a shoulder, an adjacent lane—gives you options beyond braking. Riders who have a plan react faster than those who don’t.
If a negligent driver caused your intersection crash, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your motorcycle accident claim. When another driver’s failure to yield costs you everything, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so I can evaluate your case right away.
