When a Motor Vehicle Enters Your Motorcycle Lane of Traffic

When a Motor Vehicle Enters Your Motorcycle Lane of Traffic

Motorcycles are less visible to motorists primarily because of their size but also due to their speed and sudden appearance on a roadway. Motorcycle riders have to drive with the expectation that motorists do not see them and to be particularly wary when on a freeway or multiple lane roadways for cars moving into their lane of traffic.

Hazard of Unsafe Lane Changes

All motorists are required to drive with caution and to exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle. This includes obeying the traffic laws and refraining from changing lanes without first seeing that it is safe to do so.

A common factor in motorcycle accidents is unsafe lane changes. You may be proceeding in your lane on your motorcycle at a safe speed when suddenly the car to your right or left moves directly in front of or to the side of you, giving you little or no opportunity to avoid a collision. In such circumstances, you will have to swerve sharply to avoid a collision. Doing so exposes you to colliding with a vehicle in the adjoining lane or running off the road and either striking a tree or other object or being ejected from the bike. None of these scenarios offer much solace to you as a rider.

Risk of Internal Injuries

Being ejected from your motorcycle at a high rate of speed will likely lead to serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, internal injuries and skin burns and abrasions. An internal injury is any injury to an organ in your abdomen, cranial or thoracic regions. Internal bleeding can occur within tissues, organs or body cavities including eyes. If the bleeding is severe, it can lead to shock. Symptoms of internal bleeding include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness and fainting
  • Area of deep purple skin
  • Swelling and tightness in the leg
  • Headache and loss of consciousness

Imaging such as CT scan or ultrasound can detect internal bleeding. Severe internal bleeding will require surgery to seal the ends of the vessels and to relieve pressure on the brain, heart, and lungs, depending on the area where the bleeding is occurring. Left untreated, you risk loss of life.


WordPress Lightbox Plugin