What is a common cause of motorcycle crashes involving automobiles?

The motorist's failure to see the motorcycle is a leading cause of motorcycle crashes involving automobiles. This situation often arises because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than larger vehicles, making them more difficult for drivers to detect, especially in situations where visibility may be compromised, such as during lane changes or at intersections. Motorists may overlook motorcycles in their blind spots or misjudge their speed and distance.

In many cases, drivers are not actively looking for motorcycles, which can lead to collisions when they move into the path of an oncoming bike or when they fail to yield to a motorcycle at an intersection. This emphasizes the importance of awareness and vigilance among all road users, particularly motorists, to help prevent such accidents and ensure safer road environments for motorcyclists.