Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer for Risks to Motorcyclists on Neighborhood Streets

Neighborhood rides can be a relaxing way for a motorcyclist to spend a weekend, or the calming end of the daily commute. However, when riding through neighborhoods, motorcyclists still face the same or greater risk of collision and injury. Neighborhoods can be poorly lit, have blind turns, and inattentive motorists. For these and other reasons, the majority of accidents occur within a few miles of home; motorcyclists should be aware of the risks on their neighborhood roads.

Near Home, but Not Home Free

The vast majority of vehicle accidents still occur within a few miles of home. The Hurt report found this was also true for motorcyclists:  most accidents occurred during “a short trip associated with shopping, errands, friends, entertainment or recreation.” And, “the accident is likely to happen in a very short time close to the trip origin.” Furthermore, despite lower speeds on neighborhood roads, injury is still possible. Even in familiar settings, motorcyclists should maintain their attention and practice defensive driving.Blind Curves

Neighborhood roads in suburbs like Chandler, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale or Peoria are often relaxing because of their winding curves and confined feel, lined by tall trees and houses. But, this feeling of isolation is often broken by cars suddenly rounding corners with little warning. The risk of curving residential streets is the limited visual and aural warning drivers have of oncoming traffic. On narrow roads, this leaves both drivers little time to adjust lane position if necessary. Motorcyclists forced to react suddenly risk overcorrection, or collision and injury. It is important not to be lulled into a false sense of security.

Stop Signs and Right of Way

Stop signs are the primary traffic control device used in neighborhoods. These intersections can prove risky when drivers of larger vehicles are not paying attention or misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance. The Hurt report found intersections were the most likely place for accidents to occur. The vast majority of these incidents were due to the other driver violating the motorcyclist’s right of way, and often violating traffic signals as well.

Rolling stops, though illegal, are common in neighborhoods: especially when a driver is in a hurry to get home. Drivers of larger vehicles may not see an oncoming motorcycle and roll through the stop sign. Even when a driver sees the motorcyclist, he may misjudge the distance or speed and pull into the motorcyclist’s lane. Either scenario could force the motorcyclist to collide with the larger vehicle, or swerve and hit a stationary object. Both risk substantial injury to the rider and damage to his or her bike.

Driveway Risks

Driveways connecting to neighborhood roads are particular risks to motorcyclists. Here, motorcyclists may find cars backing into the roadway, or cars misjudging the motorcycle’s distance and turning left in front of them. Even at neighborhood speeds, collisions can cause severe injury for the motorcyclist. If a collision is avoided, the motorcyclist may still strike a fixed object because the roads are narrower and afford less room for recovery. When approaching occupied driveways, motorcyclists should look for clues such as brake lights, white reverse lights, or blinkers. Above all, a motorcyclist should be ready to evade danger and never assume the other driver sees them.

Poorly Lit Roads

Neighborhood roads also lack the lighting found on city streets. Motorcycles are particularly at risk in areas with low lighting because they become even less conspicuous to other motorists.  Older motorcycles with less powerful headlights may also be unable to spot debris or faults in the roadway ahead, risking last minute reactions that could lead to loss of control.  Oncoming cars may be less able to judge the distance and speed of a motorcycle based on a single headlight, thus increasing the risk of intersection or driveway related accidents.

Contact an Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer

Even accidents near home risk debilitating injury that may cost you time for recovery and money for medical bills. If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle in a school zone in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale or elsewhere in Maricopa County, it is recommended that you contact an experienced Arizona motorcycle attorney to discuss your case. For more information on motorcycle accidents in Arizona, please visit http://www.azmotorcycleaccidentlawyer.com/

Findings from the Hurt Study. http://www.motorcyclesafetyinfo.com/hurt_study.html (Oct 2009).

Findings from the Hurt Study. http://www.motorcyclesafetyinfo.com/hurt_study.html (Oct 2009).