One of the most common crash types leading to motorcycle injuries in urban areas is the right turn against crash, when a driver turns in front of a motorcyclist who is travelling straight.
This crash type also happens between cars, and between cars and cyclists, but motorcyclists are overrepresented because of three key factors.
🏍️ Visibility. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to detect. Riders may be hidden by other turning vehicles or by the car’s A-pillar.
🏍️ Vulnerability and speed. Motorcyclists travel at similar speeds to cars but do not have the same protective structure.
🏍️ Human factors. Motorcycles are less common on the road network, so drivers may not naturally scan for them, leading to slower recognition and response.
To reduce these crashes we can implement fully controlled right turns to eliminate conflicts. We can design roads to minimise visual obstructions that block sightlines. We can ensure road surfaces maintain good skid resistance to give riders a better chance to brake effectively. We can reduce speeds to lower both the likelihood and the severity of crashes.
Want more tips to reduce motorcyclist risk through road design, operation and maintenance?
Check out the Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly resource.
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