Right of way vs. reality: Having the green light doesn't always make you right

Motorcycle crashes rarely command the attention of the motorcycle media, let alone local news outlets, gossip blogs, and cable news sites. But when a collision is so violent that it leaves a Gixxer dangling 15 feet overhead, it’s bound to go viral. That’s the aftermath of a crash that occurred on Sunday in Delta, a metropolitan area of British Columbia, Canada.

Footage captured by nearby surveillance cameras shows a BMW sedan rolling into an intersection near the 7100 block of 120th Street and Scott Road. Moments later, a motorcycle — precipitously pitched on its front wheel — breaks into the frame. Despite the rider’s best efforts, the bike slams into the BMW’s front bumper, catapulting the Gixxer skyward while the rider slides across the tarmac. 

Albeit brutal to watch, all parties survived the accident. The Delta Police Department noted that the motorcyclist sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the driver escaped unscathed. Local authorities also made a point of citing speed as a contributing factor in the collision. You don’t say.

As a motorcyclist, better yet, as a motorcyclist who's been hit by a left-turning car, as a motorcyclist who’s endured numerous scares at intersections, my first inclination was to blame the driver. After all, the rider has the right of way in that situation, right? Right? If I don’t sound convincing enough, that’s because I’m not convinced enough myself.

After viewing the CCTV footage, it’s clear that the motorcycle was traveling at a rapid rate of speed. If the bike flashing across the screen doesn’t provide enough evidence, the steep angle of its stoppie does. Yes, the vehicle with the right of way is permitted to proceed first, but that doesn’t authorize them to break the law in the process. In fact, speeding actually forfeits the driver’s/rider’s right of way in some states and local jurisdictions.

We all know there are many times when a driver carelessly turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, causing injury or worse. But if the rider's speed is, say, double the limit, the driver doesn't have to be careless. Some drivers already struggle to judge the oncoming motorcycle's speed, based only on its narrow profile. That's only exacerbated if the oncoming motorcycle is speeding. What may reasonably look like plenty of time to make a safe left turn could turn into a crash. 

Whoever the authorities find at fault in this particular case, we should all be relieved that everyone involved is still breathing. The event may have gone viral, but more importantly, it’s a reminder to keep your speed in check, especially when approaching an intersection.