After a crash with a motorcycle, one of the most common things drivers say is, “I didn’t see them.” But not seeing someone on the road doesn’t mean they weren’t there. It means the driver wasn’t actively looking.

Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road and are easy to miss, especially when drivers are distracted. Failing to notice one during a turn or lane change can have devastating results.

Read on to explore tips for improving your awareness and learn how a Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer can help if you’re hurt in a collision.

Why Motorcycles are Easy to Overlook

Most drivers don’t set out to ignore motorcycles, but inattentional blindness, a phenomenon where the brain filters out objects it isn’t actively looking for, makes it common.

Here’s what contributes to that effect:

  • Size and profile: Passenger vehicles are about 8 feet wide, while motorcycles can be half that size. Their smaller size and lower height often keep them out of view, especially at a distance or partially hidden by other traffic.
  • Positioning: Riders often stay to one side of the lane to avoid road hazards. However, that can make them less likely to appear in the center of your rearview mirror or blind spot check.
  • Speed and closing distance: Because motorcycles are smaller, drivers tend to underestimate how fast they’re approaching. A bike that seems far away may reach your vehicle faster than expected.
  • Visual “filtering”: Drivers are about twice as likely to miss seeing a motorcycle compared to a car. Motorcycles don’t register as strongly in a driver’s mental checklist; unless you’re actively scanning for them, your brain may filter them out entirely.

One of the biggest risks isn’t poor vision, it’s limited attention. Knowing what to look for is the first step toward seeing motorcyclists clearly and consistently.

Habits That Train You to Notice Motorcycles

Seeing motorcycles starts with changing how you observe the road. The following motorcycle awareness tips for drivers can help avoid collisions:

Pause Longer at Intersections

Before turning left or pulling out from a stop sign or driveway, pause for an extra second and scan the full width of the roadway. Look left, right, then left again, this time scanning for smaller vehicles. Riders can be tucked behind cars or in gaps that you may not catch at first glance.

Scan Mirrors and Blind Spots Purposefully

When changing lanes, check your mirrors, then turn your head to scan the space next to and slightly behind your vehicle. Motorcycles often ride near the edge of a lane and can sit outside your mirror’s field of view. Make this two-step check a consistent habit, not a rushed move when merging.

Always Recheck Before Left Turns

In 2022, according to NHTSA, 44% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved motorcycles being struck by left-turning vehicles. This often happens because motorcycles’ smaller size means that they can appear to be farther away than their actual distance. If you see a single headlight approaching, don’t assume you have time; wait until the lane is clear before turning.

Adjust How You Drive in Low Light

Motorcycles can be harder to see during early morning or late evening hours, especially when sun glare or shadows are present. Slow your visual scanning and avoid relying on peripheral vision alone. You’re more likely to miss a bike if you’re squinting to see a car.

Do Not Rely on the Sound of Traffic

Motorcycles don’t always make noise, especially newer or electric models. Many drivers rely on the engine sound as a cue for incoming traffic, but that may not be effective on modern roadways. Instead, focus on visual cues and make deliberate eye movements to check side roads and mirrors.

These skills improve with practice, but doing them every day helps make them second nature in the future.

Teach Kids to Recognize Motorcycles Early

One of the best ways to create lifelong safe driving habits is to start before a child gets behind the wheel. Turn motorcycle awareness into a game to make it fun and memorable.

  • Try a “spot the motorcycle” game on road trips. Challenge your kids to find motorcycles as you drive, just like they would with out-of-state license plates or colorful cars. The goal is to help them build a habit of noticing.
  • Build recognition and respect. Point out motorcycles, trikes, and scooters during everyday drives. Talk about their unique size, style, and sound, so kids learn to recognize and appreciate them as part of traffic.
  • Talk through your driving. Say out loud when you’re checking mirrors or scanning an intersection for smaller vehicles. This helps kids understand what to look for when it’s their turn to drive.
  • Make it part of the conversation. When you talk to your kids about safe driving, bring up motorcycles too. Many lessons focus on cars, but kids can learn early that smaller vehicles need extra attention on the road.

Normalizing motorcycle awareness from a young age gives future drivers the tools to avoid tragic mistakes.

Contact a Louisiana Crash Lawyer at Dudley DeBosier

Preventing crashes starts with awareness. But when a collision does happen, victims deserve support, no matter what kind of vehicle they were in. These collisions often involve emergency care, extended hospital stays, and long recoveries.

At Dudley DeBosier, our Louisiana car crash lawyers represent people injured in all types of motor vehicle collisions, whether on a motorcycle or driving a car. We know how quickly lives can change in a collision, and we hold negligent drivers accountable.

If you were hurt in a crash, contact our team today. We can walk you through your legal options and help you seek the compensation you need to move forward.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.