To drive a motorcycle in Georgia is an exciting endeavor. Unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous endeavor. Often, a major excuse after a motorcycle accident is that the driver could not see the motorcyclist. Science Daily claims that this may have something to do with a driver’s inability to process all of the details that they absorb while driving. When on a motorcycle, how aware are drivers of motorcycles on the road?
Given the severity of motorcycle accidents, it is troubling to see that despite favorable conditions, drivers may look directly at a motorcycle or past it and still direct itself in front of it. A study took 56 people and had them examine photographs of driving situations. The respondents had to decide which photos were of a safe driving environment and which were not. The last photograph featured either a motorcycle or taxi as an unexpected object and the researchers asked participants if they noticed the object.
Almost half of the subjects reported that they did not notice another object. This was significantly weighted towards participants noticing the taxi and not the motorcycle. Before the exam, many participants admitted that they were less likely to notice a motorcycle. If drivers are less attentive to motorcycles, then they become less of a priority. This can lead to unintentional blindness towards motorcycles and hence more accidents. The study suggests that drivers become more vigilant and aware of motorcyclists.
None of the above information is to be interpreted as legal advice. It is to inform on the theories behind the invisibility of motorcyclists on the road.