Motorcyclists have often heard that they must maintain one or two car lengths of space between themselves and the other vehicle in front of them. In driving terminology, this is often referred to as maintaining a safe following distance or following the "three-second rule." It helps the rider to avoid potential hazards and ride safely.
However, even if the motorcyclist maintains a good distance, they could end up in an accident due to another's negligence, resulting in serious injuries. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are here to help injured victims learn more about their rights and understand their legal options. They can help answer questions such as what can you do to avoid truck tire blowouts in Indiana?
What Is the Three-second Rule on Motorcycle Stopping Distance?
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the three-second rule allows drivers and riders enough time and space to react to potential hazards and respond safely. It requires the rider on a motorcycle to ensure a three-second distance between their vehicle and the automobile in front of them.
However, determining the three-second gap can be challenging. The NSC recommends that the riders pick a roadside marker, and when the vehicle in front of them passes that, they should see how long it takes (in seconds) for them to pass the same object.
If the distance between their motorcycle and the vehicle in front of them is not three seconds, the rider should slow down to increase the gap.
The standard time for a driver to perceive and react is 2.5 seconds. The NSC adds a little extra cushion to the recommended following distance.
Is the Three-second Rule Enough to Prevent Accidents?
Although the three-second rule, in theory, should allow the riders enough time to react to potential hazards and avoid accidents, it may not be enough in some situations. During poor weather conditions or low visibility, motorcyclists must increase their following distance.
Distracted driving, which includes talking on the phone or glancing at the GPS, is a major cause of rear-end collisions in the United States. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can explain where a motorcyclist is most likely to crash. Even if the rider maintains a three-second following distance, it is simply not enough time to react to the hazard or vehicle ahead if distracted.
Another factor that the rider must consider is the speed. If they're traveling fast, they must maintain enough braking distance, which may be more than three seconds. It's best to either ride slowly or ensure a proper following distance when speeding.
Why Should Riders Follow the Three-second Rule?
Rear-end collisions are among the most commonly reported types of motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Typically, when a driver in the trailing vehicle rear-ends the car ahead of them, in most cases, they will be responsible for the damages. This is because the law requires road users to maintain a safe distance, stay alert, and follow other traffic rules.
A motorcycle rider needs to follow the three-second rule for two main reasons, and these are as follows:
To Avoid Liability
If a motorcyclist crashes into the vehicle in front of them, they will most likely be responsible for the damages. It makes it difficult for them to recover compensation, even if they're not the ones who caused the accident.
This is because there is a certain bias against motorcyclists, and the insurance companies believe that they're reckless drivers. That, in combination with a rear-end collision, can lead to insurers pinning the blame on the rider, which can have serious legal repercussions.
To Avoid High Insurance Premiums
When a motorcyclist rear-ends a car in front of them or gets into a motor vehicle accident due to a lack of stopping distance between the vehicles, it can drive up insurance premiums.
Maintaining a safe following distance between the rider and the other driver or hazard can help prevent accidents and avoid higher premiums on the rider's policy.
Adapting the Three-second Rule While Riding a Motorcycle
Motorcyclists should use their own discretion when adapting the three-second rule while riding a motorcycle. In slow-moving traffic, a rider cannot maintain such a distance, as it can lead to frustration among other road users.
A general guideline when applying the three-second rule while riding a motorcycle is to add a second to every 10 mph of speed above 30 mph. If the rider, for example, is traveling at 50 mph, a five-second distance should be enough space for them to avoid potential hazards or collisions with other vehicles.
The faster the motorcyclist travels, the more space they need to allocate between them and the vehicle in front of them. When going downhill, riders must slow down and shift into first gear to increase the overall stopping distance.
Can a Rider Recover Damages If They Rear-end Another Vehicle?
If a motorcycle rear-ends a car in front of them, they'll most likely be liable for the damages. However, in some cases, it could be the leading driver that caused the collision.
There are situations where the vehicle in front of the motorcycle could cause the trailing motorbike to crash into them, and these include the following:
Broken brake lights that fail to warn the drivers or riders trailing behind to slow down upon braking;
A pedestrian or animal jumps in front of the leading vehicle, causing the driver to brake suddenly; or
The driver shifts into the fast lane while driving slowly, causing the trailing motorcycle to rear-end them.
Even if the leading driver is responsible for the rear-end accident, insurance companies will find it hard to believe the motorcyclist's side of the story due to the bias against them. This could make it challenging for them to recover the compensation for the damages incurred.
It's important for injured motorcyclists to reach out to a motorcycle accident law firm in Indianapolis to help protect their rights and build a strong case to recover compensatory damages.
Injured Motorcyclists Should Schedule a Free Consultation with Experienced Attorneys in Indiana
Although a motorcyclist may maintain a safe following distance, there are still chances that they may end up in an accident, especially if the driver in the vehicle ahead is negligent. This can result in severe consequences.
Those who have suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident in Indiana, due to another's negligence should call to schedule a free consultation with Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, as they may be eligible for compensation.