You may think there is enough room to pull out or turn in front of the rider, when in fact, there may not be. This, in combination with the basic visibility problem, explains why the majority of motorcycle crashes that involve another vehicle happen when a driver turns left in front of a motorcyclist. Motorcycle visibility becomes even more limited because of the way our brain processes objects in their surroundings. This diagram illustrates how a motorcycle can be perceived as smaller than it actually is in contrast to the delivery trucks and station wagons that surround them. Out of mind Drivers who are not consciously aware of motorcycles riders are especially vulnerable to motorcycle-blindness.
Awareness comes from familiarity.
But motorcycles are not a big part of most operators daily driving experience, especially during colder months. It is interesting to note that drivers who have friends or loved ones who are motorcyclists readily notice the existence and idiosyncrasies of motorcycles and are therefore less likely to be involved in a collision with a motorcycle. This indicates that a general awareness of motorcycles has a positive impact on crash reduction. Motorcycle awareness alone will not prevent a crash. Motor vehicle operators must also understand that motorcyclists have the same rights as any other vehicle on the road.