Motorcycle riders face far greater injury risks on the road than drivers in passenger vehicles. They have no protective barrier (like the steel frame of a car) and a smaller profile. One of the most dangerous threats motorcyclists face is distracted driving, which is a leading cause of serious and fatal crashes in Illinois.
Below are the most common forms of distracted driving and how they lead to preventable motorcycle accidents.
The Three Major Types of Distractions
All forms of distraction fall into three categories:
- Visual distractions are those that force you to take your eyes off the road. Even a brief glance away from traffic can cause a driver to miss a nearby motorcycle or fail to notice a sudden stop.
- Manual distraction involves taking your hands off the wheel. These distractions reduce a driver’s ability to steer or respond quickly.
- Cognitive distraction refers to taking your mind off driving. Mental distractions can impair reaction time and cause poor decisions behind the wheel.
Many distractions combine all three types and dramatically increase the likelihood of a collision.
Texting and Cell Phone Use
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors behind the wheel. It combines all three types of distraction (visual, manual, and cognitive) and can leave a driver blind to the road ahead for several seconds.
At just 55 mph, looking down at a phone for five seconds is like driving the length of a football field without looking. During that time, a driver may drift into another lane, run a red light, or fail to notice a motorcycle slowing or stopping ahead.
Talking on the Phone
Even hands-free phone conversations can cause dangerous cognitive distraction. When drivers focus on a conversation instead of the road, their situational awareness drops. They may fail to check blind spots before changing lanes or overlook a motorcyclist approaching an intersection. Distracted driver collisions cause serious injuries, despite being preventable in almost all cases.
Eating and Drinking
Many drivers underestimate the risks of eating or drinking while behind the wheel. Reaching for food, unwrapping packaging, or cleaning up all require a driver to take one or both hands off the wheel. These distractions make it harder to maintain control of the vehicle or respond quickly to sudden maneuvers from motorcyclists.
Adjusting Controls and Using In-Vehicle Technology
Modern vehicles have a range of systems, navigation tools, and touchscreens. Each of these can divert attention from the road. Programming a GPS, adjusting climate controls, or selecting music can cause drivers to glance away just long enough to miss a nearby motorcycle.
Talking to Passengers and Other Cognitive Distractions
Drivers can also become distracted by conversations or activities inside the car. Turning to speak to passengers or dealing with children in the back seat can reduce attention and reaction times. A driver whose mind is on in-car conversations may not register a motorcyclist entering their lane or may misjudge the speed and distance of an oncoming bike.
Contact a Geneva Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for Help Holding a Distracted Driving Lawyer Accountable
Distracted driving is entirely preventable. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by a distracted driver in Geneva, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
An experienced Geneva motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and legal options. Contact Feagans Law Group today to schedule a free case review.