Motorcyclists Beware: Reasons Drivers Cross the Center Line

Most people get into their cars or hop on their motorcycles fully alert and focused on driving; however, it seems more and more people aren’t so focused on safe driving these days. Unfortunately, this is why many drivers drift across the center line and cause serious and even fatal collisions.

While distracted driving—talking on a cell phone, texting and driving, emailing, or checking Facebook and other social media sites—is one of the biggest factors that cause drivers to drift across the center line, there are other reasons drivers cross over the yellow line and collide into other cars and motorcycles. These reasons include:

• Drugged or drunk driving. When drivers are intoxicated, they are more likely to drive their cars across the line due to their altered state of mind. While a victim might not know the other driver is drunk, investigators may find evidence that indicates the other driver is intoxicated and require a blood or breath test to confirm their suspicions.
• Drowsy driving. Many drivers are tired when they get behind the wheel, especially in the early morning or late evening. Closing one’s eyes—even for a second—can cause a driver to drift into the wrong lane or across the center line.
• Driving in inclement weather. When there is heavy rain, fog, or other inclement conditions, the weather can play a part in a driver crossing over the center line. For example, heavy rains can cause standing water on the road and lead to hydroplaning and car and motorcycle crashes.

While crossing over the center line can occur on any given day due to negligent motorists, motorcyclists and other drivers are often put in greater danger of center line violators during this time of the year when the weather is worse and there are more holiday parties that lead to drunk and drowsy driving accidents. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a motorcycle accident by a driver crossing the center line, you should learn about your rights to file a lawsuit to recover damages. You can learn more by requesting a free copy of our book, What You Need to Know After a Florida Auto, Truck, or Bike Accident.