Why Do Motorcycle Riders Move Around in Their Lane So Much? (2024)

Many drivers see motorcyclists as reckless and dangerous groups on the road. While it is true that motorcycle riders are more likely to get into crashes and suffer serious injuries than passengers in cars, this does not mean that they are inherently careless—it usually means they are more likely to be more careful, instead!

The negligence of other drivers causes a significant portion of motorcycle accidents. Understanding motorcyclists’ road behavior can help make everyone safer on the road.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the attorneys at Dudley DeBosier to review your case and help you seek compensation.

Why Riders Move Around in Their Lane

Motorcycle riders often have to be more cautious than other motorists since they are less visible and more vulnerable to being hit by other vehicles. One of the best ways for motorcycle riders to stay safe is to move around in their lane.

By constantly changing positions within the lane, motorcycle riders increase their visibility and make it more difficult for other drivers to “tune them out.” This technique can be especially useful when riding in traffic because it allows the rider to see and be seen by other vehicles more easily.

While it may not be the most comfortable way to ride, frequently moving around within the lane is one of the best ways for motorcycle riders to stay safe on the road. It is also their right. Although motorcycles are smaller vehicles, riders have a right to use the entire lane in which they are traveling.

Understanding Riders’ Behavior

Motorcycle riders must often take evasive action to avoid being hit by another vehicle. These maneuvers include swerving and lane-splitting. While these actions may appear dangerous, they swiftly move the motorcyclist out of the way of other cars, preventing a collision.

Riders may also need to swerve to avoid hazards on the road like potholes or slick patches that a larger vehicle’s driver may not notice or be concerned about. As a result, all road users need to be aware of motorcycle riders and give them plenty of space so they can safely move around and out of the way of road hazards.

Types of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle crashes can either be multi-vehicle crashes (involving the motorcycle and one or more other vehicles) and a single vehicle crash, although other people or parties can still be at fault for single vehicle crashes, depending on how they occurred.

Collision with vehicle

One common type of motorcycle accident is a collision with another vehicle. This can occur when a driver fails to see a motorcycle and makes a turn into its path or when a driver rear-ends a stopped motorcycle. A collision can also happen when another vehicle doesn’t allow the rider the entire lane width and merges too closely with them.

Collisions from a loss of control

Another common type of motorcycle accident is a single-vehicle crash. This can occur when riders lose control of their motorcycle, especially after encountering road hazards like potholes, debris in the road, or loose gravel or sand on the road. If debris fell into the road from another vehicle, the driver of that vehicle may be liable. Likewise, it’s possible the agency responsible for maintaining the road could be liable if the poor condition of the road caused the rider to lose control.

Motorcycle crashes can stem from mechanical problems, such as a flat tire or faulty brakes. Manufacturers may be liable if the crash was caused by a defective part rather than neglected maintenance.

Crashes can also happen if an unexpected event startles a driver, such as a pedestrian stepping out in front of the motorcycle’s path or an animal running onto the road.

If it is unclear who is liable for a crash, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney could help determine the liable party.

Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

While motorcyclists do everything they can to avoid road debris, potholes, and irresponsible drivers, crashes and falls still occur. In 2020, 5,579 riders died in motorcycle crashes in the U.S., with 1,568 crashes and 81 deaths in Louisiana alone.

Injuries motorcycle riders can suffer include:

Road rash

Road rash is a type of injury that typically occurs when a person falls off a motorcycle or the bike slides across the pavement. The asphalt and concrete scrape the superficial layer of skin away, exposing the underlying tissue. Road rash can range in severity from mild to severe, depending on the depth of the abrasion and the amount of debris embedded in the wound.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury is a type of brain damage that occurs due to a blow to the head. TBI can range from mild (this is commonly known as a concussion) to moderate or severe. TBI symptoms can vary depending on the severity. Mild TBI may cause temporary dysfunction of brain functions. More serious TBI can result in bruising, tearing of brain tissues, brain hemorrhaging, and long-term damage to the brain.

Motorcycle accident victims can suffer a variety of other injuries in crashes, including broken bones, internal hemorrhaging, and even paralysis.

Seek Help from a Knowledgeable Motorcycle Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love is a motorcyclist who’s suffered injuries in an accident with a negligent driver in Louisiana, contact the Baton Rouge motorcycle injury lawyers at Dudley DeBosier. We will help you hold the responsible party accountable for your pain and suffering and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Call our law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn your legal options.

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Why Do Motorcycle Riders Move Around in Their Lane So Much? (2024)

FAQs

Why Do Motorcycle Riders Move Around in Their Lane So Much? ›

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists
Motorcycling is the act of riding a motorcycle. For some people, motorcycling may be the only affordable form of individual motorized transportation, and small-displacement motorcycles are the most common motor vehicle in the most populous countries, including India, China and Indonesia.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Motorcycling
move around in their lanes to maintain their visibility to other drivers. Since motorcycles are small compared with other vehicles on the road, riders face serious danger if car drivers tune them out. To avoid this, motorcyclists attempt to stay within drivers' direct visual fields and avoid blind spots.

Why do motorcyclists constantly change positions within a lane? ›

Periodically changing lane position ensures a motorcyclist doesn't remain in any vehicle's blind spot, reducing the likelihood of an accident. This allows other drivers to see motorcyclists sharing the highway with them.

What is the psychology of a motorcycle rider? ›

There's no denying the adrenaline rush that comes from a motorcycle ride. This thrill, this exhilaration, stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This biochemical reaction partially explains the sheer joy many riders experience.

Why do motorcyclists use the whole lane? ›

By constantly changing positions within the lane, motorcycle riders increase their visibility and make it more difficult for other drivers to “tune them out.” This technique can be especially useful when riding in traffic because it allows the rider to see and be seen by other vehicles more easily.

Why do motorcyclists vary their lane position? ›

Motorcyclists change speed and lane position when encountering bad road conditions, such as manhole covers, diagonal railroad tracks, road debris, or in strong winds. Be ready to react. You should not share a lane with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist needs the entire lane for safety reasons.

Why do bikers point down when they see another biker? ›

Motorcyclists, while riding a bike when encountered by other bikers coming from the opposite direction, point out their index and middle finger of their left hand towards the ground. This is a way of expressing respect towards the other motorcyclist. It's our way of saying, “Hello!

Why do motorcycles move around in their lanes? ›

Motorcyclists move around in their lanes to maintain their visibility to other drivers. Since motorcycles are small compared with other vehicles on the road, riders face serious danger if car drivers tune them out. To avoid this, motorcyclists attempt to stay within drivers' direct visual fields and avoid blind spots.

What is a biker personality? ›

Male bikers (n = 22) appeared as tough, aggressive, dogmatic, sensation-seeking, impulsive, risk-taking, irresponsible and lacking in self-esteem and ambitiousness.

What does riding a motorcycle do to your body? ›

A motorcycle does so much more than get you from point A to point B. It can enhance brain power, boost happiness, improve core strength, strengthen legs, build muscle, and burn calories. If you already have a bike, take full advantage of it.

Are motorcycle riders happier? ›

A recent study commissioned by Australia's ING revealed that, on average, motorcyclists are happier than the average motorist. The study uncovered the therapeutic potential of motorcycle riding, with 82 per cent of riders agreeing that riding makes them happy — compared to only around 55 per cent of motorists.

Why do motorcyclists often look round over their right shoulder? ›

This is because. Explanation: If you see a motorcyclist take a quick glance over their shoulder, this could mean they are about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to be prepared and take appropriate action, making you safer on the road.

What is the best lane for a motorcycle? ›

The safest “default” lane position for a motorcycle is in the leftmost third of the lane. Most motorcyclists choose to stay in the left position for the majority of the time they're on the road. It offers good visibility and a flexible set of escape routes in an emergency.

Why do bikers lane split? ›

The University of California at Berkeley published a report in May 2015 that concludes that motorcyclists who split lanes in heavy traffic are significantly less likely to be struck from behind by other motorists, are less likely to suffer head or torso injuries, and are less likely to sustain fatal injuries in a crash ...

What is the 2 second rule on a motorcycle? ›

Following Another Vehicle

In traffic, motorcycles need as much distance to stop as other vehicles. Normally, you should maintain a two-second following distance. To gauge your following distance: Ahead of you, pick out a marker such as a pavement marking or lamp post.

Why do motorcyclists nod at each other? ›

The gesture that we make when we meet another motorcyclist and therefore more than a simple greeting, is a sign of respect, of solidarity: you know that if there's a need, I'm with you, I will always help you and I know that you will help me.

How to tell if a motorcycle is too big for you? ›

Sit on the bike and see how things feel. Your feet should comfortably reach the ground with a flat foot so you can easily stabilise the bike when necessary. Your arms should comfortably reach the handlebars without feeling like you're overextending. Try putting your feet on the foot pegs and foot controls as well.

Why might a motorcyclist change their position within their lane? ›

Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions, such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement.

Why might a motorcyclist ride in a different part of the roadway lane? ›

You can use different lane positions to increase your visibility to other vehicles, stay out of blind spots, avoid obstacles, position yourself for turns and give yourself escape routes in traffic. Developing your judgment on lane positioning is part of honing your riding skills.

Why does the motorcyclist shift his lane position closer to the center lane when traveling behind a passenger vehicle? ›

If you ride in the left or right portion of the lane, the driver may see you in his or her side view mirror. If the traffic situation allows, the center lane position is usually the best place for you to be seen by the driver in his or her rearview mirror and to prevent other vehicles from sharing your lane.

Why may a motorcyclist quickly change lanes? ›

First, it was done to try and help reduce traffic congestion. By not taking up space in any lanes, motorcycle riders who split lanes help increase the flow of traffic as they steadily wind through it. This is especially true when traffic is at a complete stop.

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