Riding a motorcycle is a fun hobby for many people—experiencing the thrill of riding on the open road and learning to control a challenging vehicle. But choosing to ride a non-enclosed vehicle poses many dangers, making motorcyclists more vulnerable to road accidents. While motorcycles make up 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, their riders accounted for 15.5% of all traffic fatalities and 3.4% of all wreck injuries in 2023. In fact, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than those in a passenger car, and 5 times more likely to be injured.
Sharing the road with semi-trucks can pose an even larger danger to motorcyclists than riding alongside passenger vehicles. This is due to the size difference between the vehicles, making it more difficult for semi drivers to see riders and increases the severity of collisions.
It is crucial for both motorcycle riders and semi-truck drivers to remain vigilant when sharing the road with each other. Practicing safe driving and taking precautions while riding can prevent severe injuries and save lives.
Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders
Motorcycle safety begins before you get on the road. Riders should first make sure they are properly licensed to ride their motorcycle. This typically requires that riders pass a written and on-cycle skills test done by the state’s licensing agency. Some states may even demand those seeking a license take a rider education course, as well.
34% of fatal motorcycle crashes in 2023 involved riders that did not have valid motorcycle licenses. Fulfilling these requirements ensures you have the correct experience riding a motorcycle and can prevent accidents.
It is also important to check your motorcycle is in working order before riding. This includes inspecting the tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and turn signals, fluid levels, and any indication of oil or gas leaks underneath the vehicle.
Riding a motorcycle makes you more susceptible to serious or fatal injuries in an accident because you are not in the safety of an enclosed vehicle. Some of the most common injuries associated with motorcycle accidents include:
- Brain injury/neurological damage
- Spinal injury
- Neck injury
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Tendon and ligament damage
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Road rash.
Riders should wear gear and clothing that is appropriate for preventing injury. The most important item is a helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. There should be a symbol on the outside back of the helmet that distinguishes this. You should also be sure to have your arms and legs completely covered while riding, preferably with leather or heavy denim clothing items. Brightly colored clothing and reflective material will make you more visible on the road. Boots are the best footwear option, but any shoes should cover your ankles. Additionally, wearing gloves will allow for better grip and protect your hands if you are in a wreck.
Caution While Riding Alongside Semi-Trucks
Motorcyclists face more challenges than other vehicles while traveling on the highway due to their smaller size. These challenges are especially prevalent when riding alongside semi-trucks.
Riders should exercise extreme caution when traveling near these vehicles. If possible, motorcyclists should avoid a truck’s blind spots because the small size of your vehicle can make you invisible to truck drivers. With modern technology, the correct type of mirrors, and the right placement of these mirrors, a semi tractor-trailer should not have blind spots, but unfortunately, many still do. These large blind spots are on all four sides of many trucks, with the right side being the largest, which runs the length of the truck and extends to the adjacent three lanes.
Avoid passing a truck on the right side, if possible. When passing a truck, look for the driver in the mirror before you begin the maneuver, then quickly pass the vehicle, and only pull in front of the truck when you can see both of its headlights and some pavement behind you. Additionally, motorcyclists riding in a group should pass trucks in a single file line in the far side of the lane to provide the truck driver with the most visibility.
Do not linger while passing a truck and do not cut in front of it. A fully loaded truck can weigh 80,000 pounds and require the length of a football field to come to a stop.
If you are riding behind a truck, you must be aware of the vehicle’s rear blind spot and how the size of the vehicle can affect your visibility if you follow too closely. This ultimately reduces your time to react to emergencies. You should maintain a four-second following distance—far enough behind the truck that you can see the driver in the mirrors and any debris in the road.
When traveling at highway speeds, trucks can create turbulence because of crosswinds. If there are especially strong winds, this air turbulence can push you out of your lane while passing the truck. Riders may also experience turbulent air toward the front of the truck as they pass. Motorcyclists should allow themselves a space cushion to maneuver and avoid turbulence.
Truck Drivers Must Share the Road
Just as motorcyclists should be cautious around semi-trucks, truck drivers should also be aware of any motorcycles around their vehicle. Drivers should keep track of any motorcycles travelling near their vehicle and be aware of when riders disappear into the truck’s blind spot. Professional drivers must also provide motorcyclists with as much room as possible, giving themselves and riders the opportunity to safely maneuver if needed.
Motorcyclists typically slow their vehicle by rolling off the throttle or downshifting, meaning they may not activate the brake light. Truck drivers need to allow themselves ample following distance and understand that riders might slow down without any visual warning, particularly when turning or at intersections. And if there are multiple riders in one group, count the headlights to determine the number of riders in the group and keep track of how many pass your truck.
Additionally, all trucking companies should invest in technology to avoid blind spots. Likewise, truck drivers need to be properly trained to help avoid these types of accidents.
Injured After a Truck Wreck? Craig, Kelley & Faultless Can Help
Attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless are prepared and have the experience to help victims and their loved ones involved in commercial vehicle wrecks through every aspect of their case. Both attorneys David W. Craig and Scott A. Faultless are board-certified in truck accident law by the NBTA, accredited by the American Bar Association. The firm also has a rapid response team that works with investigators, reconstructionists and mechanics who immediately collect evidence as soon as the firm is hired. Additionally, two of the firm’s litigation paralegals are board-certified in truck accident law by the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys.
Their team-centered approach puts client needs at the forefront, and several attorneys will work on your case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Reach out for a free case consultation today at (888) 253-5198 or online.
David W. Craig is board-certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, accredited by the American Bar Association in Truck Accident Law. He sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, both written to help people navigate what comes next after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.
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