A Split-Second Decision Can Be Deadly THE RISKS MOTORCYCLISTS FACE ON THE ROAD
Small habits can save lives. A few simple actions can make a major difference: • Look twice before turning or changing lanes. • Check blind spots carefully for motorcycles. • Allow extra following distance behind riders. • Avoid distractions like phones while driving. For motorcyclists, wearing protective gear, using headlights, and riding defensively can Motorcycles are a common sight on the road, especially during spring and summer. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that everyone shares responsibility for road safety. Taking an extra second to scan the road, double-check intersections, and stay alert could mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. also improve visibility and safety. Share the road responsibly.
In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, accounting for about 15% of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Even more alarming, motorcyclists are nearly 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled. These statistics point to why May is recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a national effort to remind drivers and riders alike that awareness and caution can save lives. At WLF, we have handled a lot of cases where a motorcyclist was severely injured because another driver failed to see them. As warmer weather brings more motorcycles onto the road, drivers are encouraged to slow down, stay alert, and remember one powerful
larger objects more easily, like cars and trucks. A motorcycle’s narrow profile and single headlight can make it appear farther away than it actually is. Because of this, drivers sometimes misjudge the distance or speed of an approaching motorcycle, especially when making quick decisions in traffic. There’s a risk at intersections. Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. Safety data consistently shows that a large number of motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle happen at intersections, often when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming rider. Timing is a big part of the problem. For example, a large truck can take about 12 seconds to fully clear an intersection, while most passenger vehicles take about five or six seconds. That is why it is critically important to look twice to before turning. A driver must make sure the roadway is safe to enter, and motorcycles are easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Is it indifference, or is your brain too worn out from making decisions all day? Every day, we make countless decisions. Some are conscious, such as choosing what to have for lunch or deciding which work tasks to do first. However, we also make subconscious decisions while driving, talking with coworkers, and progressing through our day. As we make more and more choices, our brains get worn out, leading to decision fatigue. From that point until we go to bed at night, it becomes almost impossible to provide clear answers to direct questions or make any other decisions. Decision fatigue feels similar to brain fog. You’ve used your brain to the point of exhaustion, and now, it’s going to look for any shortcut when you try to make another decision. Your mind may encourage IT’S EXHAUSTED!
message: “Look Twice. Save a Life.” Motorcycles are easy to miss.
Motorcycles are smaller than passenger vehicles, which can make them harder to see in traffic. Human perception plays a role in this challenge. Our brains naturally detect
Your Brain Isn’t Indecisive
You just got home from work and exchanged greetings with your spouse or significant other. Before long, the dreaded question is going to come up: “What do you want for dinner?” You hem and haw, pondering your choices before asking them if there is anything they want. They respond similarly.
you to put off the decision until later, act impulsively against your better judgment, or avoid the thought altogether. When none of those options present themselves, you’re left with indecision. It may seem impossible to limit our choices throughout any given day, but it’s necessary if we want to avoid decision fatigue. Some beneficial strategies include setting strong daily routines, delegating decision-making to coworkers or family, and stopping any thoughts that lead you to second-guess a choice you’ve already made. If the simple questions your spouse, kids, or friends ask you create stress for you after a long day of work, you’re likely experiencing decision fatigue. Awareness of this issue is the first step toward finding a reprieve from it!
2 · WeatherbyLawFirm.com · 404-689-1287
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator