Do you enjoy hitting the open road on your motorcycle? If so, you know that this can be one of the greatest joys in your life.

You also realize that other drivers don’t share your excitement for motorcycles. For this reason, you need to be aware that you could be involved in an accident at any point.

According to a recent study conducted by a Texas Tech University professor, the brain may cause some motorcycle accidents. More specifically, the way that the brain perceives distances could be responsible for some motorcycle accidents.

This study may be the answer as to why the most common type of motorcycle accident is when a vehicle turns left in front of a motorcyclist.

The study, entitled Effects of Size on Collision Perception and Implications for Perceptual Theory and Transportation Safety, concludes that vehicle drivers are not always able to accurately judge both the size of an object as well as how far away it s.

The study examined many fatal motorcycle accidents in the United States, noting that approximately 42 percent involved a situation in which a vehicle turning left crashed into an oncoming motorcyclist.

As a motorcyclist, you need to realize that passenger vehicle operators may not be able to judge your distance and speed. For this reason, you should take extreme caution as you approach intersections where a left turn may be made.

If you’re involved in any type of motorcyclist accident, you should first receive medical treatment. Once you’re stabilized, it’s time to learn more about the cause, which could include pinpointing why the driver of another vehicle made a poor decision. An attorney can then help you determine how to proceed with a claim for compensation for your injuries and damages.

Source: RideApart, “Motorcycle accidents: How the brain is to blame,” Tim Watson, accessed Dec. 29, 2016