Broadside Collisions

A broadside collision is probably one of the most dangerous types of wrecks a motorcycle rider can be in. When a motorcyclist gets T-boned, there is very little he or she can do to try to correct course. In many cases, the rider may get ejected, pinned or otherwise removed from the motorcycle. A major contributor to broadside collisions is sadly a complete and total lack of awareness. Even though driver inattention and distracted driving are totally preventable, injury causing and fatal broadside collisions are still happening in Jackson and throughout the nation. It’s very common to hear a driver say, “I never saw the motorcycle” after a serious broadside collision accident. They simply weren’t paying attention and truthfully never even saw the motorcycle they hit until it was too late. Listed below are just a few common causes of broadside collisions.

Causes of Broadside Collisions

The Differences Between Riding and Driving

For drivers to understand the implications of a broadside collision and the threats motorcycle riders face on a daily basis, they have to understand the fundamental differences between riding a motorcycle and driving a car. Among those differences, the biggest is the level of safety involved. Most people feel pretty safe in their cars. They have air bags, seat belts and they’re encapsulated in steel. Motorcycle riders are totally vulnerable to any potential roadway emergencies. They only have two wheels, and they can be fully ejected from their bikes. If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle on the road, you know just how important it is to pay attention to your surroundings and lookout for others. Motorcycle riders are frequently riding defensively to avoid dangerous or even potentially deadly situations with drivers who are otherwise totally oblivious to what’s going on.

Failing to Yield the Right of Way to Motorcycles 

Failing to yield the right of way is a huge problem associated with broadside collisions. Motorcycles get broadsided when drivers aren’t properly and lawfully yielding the right of way. No motorcycle rider wants to put himself or herself in a dangerous situation, but often they’re faced with riding around dangerous and distracted drivers. They’re counting on drivers to follow the rules of the road, yield when it’s necessary to do so and look out for other roadway users. It’s also important to note that while it might be okay for a driver to slam on the breaks or swerve to miss a near collision, motorcycles have a much less room for error. Swerving or stopping short to avoid a broadside collision could be potentially life threatening for a rider.