Many motorcycle accidents are not caused by the motorcycle riders themselves, but by other drivers on the road around them. One of the most common reasons that these drivers give for causing the crash is that they didn’t see the motorcycle.
Part of the reason for this is that many motorcycles are black, and riders may choose to wear a black leather jacket and a black helmet. This aesthetic choice means that the bike is more likely to blend into the surroundings, such as the background or the pavement. It simply doesn’t stand out, so drivers will sometimes glance at a motorcycle without seeing it. This is especially problematic because motorcycles are small vehicles, so it’s already harder for them to register in a driver’s visual field.
As such, it can be helpful for motorcyclists to wear brightly colored clothing. They should also consider a brightly colored helmet, and they may even want to think about the livery on their bike itself. Someone who is riding an orange motorcycle and wearing a high-vis green motorcycle helmet is less likely to be involved in an accident than someone who is wearing all black.
Reflective materials
That said, brightly colored clothing doesn’t help as much in low-light conditions, such as if someone is riding at dawn, at dusk or even at night. For those who frequently find themselves in this situation, it may be wise to think about reflective materials. Some motorcycle jackets have reflective materials built in so that a car’s headlights will easily pick them up. Riders could also consider putting reflective stickers on their bike or on their helmet.
What if visibility isn’t enough?
These tips can certainly reduce the odds of an accident, but it’s still possible for another negligent driver to cause a serious motorcycle crash. Riders who have been injured must know how to seek financial compensation.
