Tom's Rider Education Page

Where Does Trouble Come From?

ANSWER: About the 10:00 position according to Dr. Hurt's study. The most common pre-crash configuration is a car turning left in front of you. In other words a car, at an intersection, will turn left across your path. However, an intersection is any place where a car has a place that would allow them to turn across your path. This would include roads, driveways, parking lots, private drives etc...

Car drivers don't do this because they don't like you or motorcycles. They do this because they are looking for cars and trucks and don't see you or mis-judge your speed because of your vehicle's size. Knowing where to focus your attention is one of the most effective ways to prevent problems before they become a problem.

As with any vehicle, motorcyclists must remember that any accident is a "combination of factors." Road conditions, path of travel, speed, weather, driver experience, driver attitude to name a few all play a role in accident causation. It is YOUR JOB as a motorcyclist to know these factors and work hard to manage them. As a motorcyclists your concern is not with FAULT but with PREVENTION.