The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Avoiding Rear End Collisions
December 4, 2009

Most bikers will tell you that if you ride a motorcycle long enough you will get into a motorcycle accident. Generally, this statement is true and bikers need to respect it.

A good friend of mine who is a 20 year motorcycle rider got rear ended at a traffic light by a careless driver who was probably sending a text message while driving. This type of motorcycle accident is becoming all too familiar. As more drivers distract themselves with text messages and mobile social networks, bikers are at higher risk for serious injuries.

Luckily my friend was able to avoid injury and here are some ways you can do the same.

• Loud Pipes: Loud pipes save lives by actually helping motorists recognize your presence. Having louder pipes than the normal stock versions will help your noise signature resonate a greater distance.

• More Light: Make sure your bike has adequately lighting in the rear. Upgrading to LED lights is a great way to minimize light size while adding extra illumination for your bike and running lights.

• No Headphones or Ear Plugs: It’s nearly impossible to hear horns or screeching tires if you are listening to an iPod or if you are wearing ear plugs. Sometimes, you may hear an accident about to happen before you see it. Do not obstruct any of your senses.

• Side View Mirrors: Often, motorcycle side mirrors are selected for their look and not their function. Side view mirrors are important in avoiding rear collisions because good mirrors will help you quickly and clearly see vehicles behind you. Stylish side mirrors are not much help at all.

• Act Quickly: Being prepared is sometimes the best way to avoid accidents. My friend was able to avoid injury by hearing screeching tires, dumping the bike, and moving out of the way before the vehicle struck him. His bike was destroyed but he walked away without a scratch. Whether you jump off, pull off, or do some other maneuver, acting fast can save your life.

• Think About Motorcycle Accidents:  I don’t encourage bikers to obsess about accidents but I think it is very important to think about various emergency scenarios and have a plan if it happens. Having a half second faster reaction time could be the different between walking away and never walking again.

No biker can avoid distracted drivers forever. Have a plan for the worst case scenarios when riding your bike. That way, you will be able to do all you can to save your bike and your health.