Article: Motorcycle Accidents on Freeway On and Off-ramps
Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer for Motorcycle Accidents on Freeway On and Off-ramps
Freeways can be a hazardous place for motorcyclists, especially when entering or exiting. While smooth traffic at a consistent speed is relatively safe, the confusion and sudden lane changes that occur at on and off-ramps increases risk of collision with drivers of larger vehicles. Motorcyclists should be aware of the risk factors when entering and leaving the crowded Phoenix-metro area freeways. The increased speeds create and even greater injury in the event of an accident. If a motorcyclist is struck and injured by a negligent motorist on the freeway, they should contact an experienced Arizona motorcycle attorney to hold the liable party responsible so they can concentrate on recovery.
Phoenix Freeways are Crowding
Riders on Phoenix’s freeways are painfully aware of increased crowding. Rush hours last longer and traffic density has increased with sudden increases in population. The latest census figures show the Phoenix metro area gained 116,000 people from 2007 alone. The state has implemented expansion programs, but the current construction leaves the freeways in a state of congestion. The result is a system that experiences dramatic changes in traffic flow that can prove dangerous to motorcyclists.
Anticipate Speed Differential at Exits
The most noticeable effect of oncoming exits is the sudden slowing of traffic in the rightmost lanes. This process is most dramatic immediately before and after rush hour, when traffic flow can still drastically vary in speed and density. This effect is known as speed differential.
Despite the common misconception, high speeds are not a common main contributing factor to motorcycle accidents. Speed differential is a much more common cause. The “Motorcycle Accidents in Depth Study” (MAIDS) reports speed differential was a contributing factor in 18% of the motorcycle accidents studied: much higher than instances solely caused by high speeds.
The speed differential approaching freeway exits is hazardous because the flow of traffic is disrupted and many motorists are forced to react quickly. Some make unsafe lane changes, some fail to react due to distraction, and others may overreact and brake suddenly. All of these reactions are disproportionately more dangerous for motorcyclists because of the tendency for other drivers to “just not see them.”
Mind Unsafe Merging
High rates of merging and sudden lane changes are another risk to motorcyclists entering and exiting freeways in Phoenix. Drivers of larger vehicles may cut through several lanes of traffic at once and not notice the motorcycle’s smaller profile. A motorcyclist is most vulnerable when in the exit lane or rightmost traffic lane because these have the highest rate of lane changes. Negligent motorists may be reacting quickly to make their exit or avoid a more congested lane. The motorcyclist’s relatively little conspicuity makes him or her more likely to be struck by a larger vehicle. To lower this risk, motorcyclists should check their flanks for negligent motorists and safely merge into another lane as soon as possible.
Increase Conspicuity
Too often, larger vehicles strike motorcycles because they “just did not see them.” When entering or exiting the freeways in Phoenix, motorcyclists should drive defensively and take measures to increase their conspicuity. Simple measures to stay visible when entering or exiting the freeway are
- Use your daytime running light or turn on your headlamp
- Wear bright clothes and helmet
- Use turn signals or hand signals
- Flash your brake lights when engine braking
- Use strategic lane placement
- Beware of blind spots
Contact an Arizona Motorcycle Lawyer
If you have been injured riding a motorcycle and entering or exiting freeway 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/
Robert Bernstein, Raleigh and Austin are fastest growing metro areas. (March 2009).
European Safety Study Finds Familiar Causes for Motorcycle Accidents, http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/european_motorcycle_safety_study/index.html (2009)
