At intersections, what is the most common cause of motorcycle/vehicle collisions?

• A. Drivers entering a rider's right of way
• B. Riders entering a driver's right of way
• C. Pedestrians crossing
• D. Road surface conditions

Answer: (A)

At intersections the main problem is drivers entering a rider’s right of way. Cars turning left in front of a motorcycle or pulling into the roadway without yielding cut the rider off, leading to most collision scenarios. Motorcycles have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles, but they’re smaller and can be harder to see, so drivers who fail to yield when a motorcycle has the green light or is proceeding straight are the common cause of crashes.

Pedestrians crossing can cause conflicts, but they’re not the typical collision pattern at these intersections. Road surface conditions can contribute to crashes, but they’re not the primary cause of the most frequent motorcycle–vehicle crashes at intersections.