Motorcycle registrations in the United States have grown overall for the past two decades. While there has been a small decline in recent years of riders (––, mostly among Boomers who fueled the Big Bike cruising craze getting to an age where they can no longer ride), there are other sectors that are growing, such as motor scooters light motorbikes. In an updated statistical report from March 2017, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA) shows that, in 2015, there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed—an 8-percent increase from the 4,594 motorcyclists killed in 2014. An estimated 88,000 motorcyclists were injured during 2015, a 3-percent decrease from the 92,000 motorcyclists injured in 2014.Data shows in 2015 that the most harmful event for 2,761(54%) of the 5,076 motorcycles involved in fatal crashes were collisions with motor vehicles in transport. Experienced motorcyclists and highway safety experts point to a few practices that every rider should adopt to further increase avoiding collisions with a car or truck. Among these are the following suggestions: Drive Defensively. At intersections assume the car or truck won’t yield. It’s generally acknowledged among motorcyclists that automobile drivers frequently fail to recognize or acknowledge motorcycles as motor vehicles and consequently, fail to yield. Drivers see the bike, see its safety headlight and still pull out in front of the motorcycle. Statistics bear this out. In two-vehicle crashes, 74 percent of the motorcycles involved in motor vehicle traffic crashes were frontal collisions. Only 7 percent were struck in the rear. Look Out for Left Turning Vehicles. In 2015, there were 2,448 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. In 41 percent (994) of these crashes, the other vehicles were turning left while the motorcycles were going straight, passing, or overtaking other vehicles. Almost always, a vehicle that hits another vehicle while making a left-hand turn will be found at fault for the accident. However, if the motorcyclist is speeding or in the wrong lane, he/she may be partly at fault. Moreover, motorcycles don’t afford their riders the protections that cars and trucks provide their drivers and passengers. So, riders need to be extra cautious for left turning vehicles. Be Careful Changing Lanes. Check all around you before making a lane change to make sure no other vehicles are close. The safe rider wants to be sure that the no other vehicle is cutting into the same lane. In addition, bikes provide a leaner profile and therefore, can sometimes be missed by the car or truck in front of you as you pass. If you are involved or injured in an accident while riding a motorcycle, consult a skilled Sullivan County motorcycle accident attorney. Call Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, P.C. today at 423-797-6022 to schedule your free initial consultation, or contact us online.