When you hear a loud motorcycle drive by on the street, you may assume the rider just likes the sound or wants to make sure everyone knows they’re on a bike. Many people who do not ride will roll their eyes or even complain about just how loud it is.
But does that noise serve a purpose? Perhaps it’s unwise to judge a rider prematurely. The reality is that many riders believe louder bikes actively help to keep them safe.
Remember, after motorcycle accidents, drivers who cause them often say they didn’t see the motorcycle in the first place. They may even blame the rider, perhaps accusing them of speeding. The truth, though, is that many drivers just have trouble spotting bikes as they are smaller than cars and relatively unexpected. In some cases, drivers also get distracted by things like their phone or their children; they might notice a semitruck in the side of their vision, but they won’t see a motorcycle.
That’s where the loud pipes come in. Even a driver who isn’t looking is bound to hear the bike coming. It raises awareness and alerts drivers to be cautious. Some riders may prefer to ride quieter bikes if they could, but they’ll take a louder bike with less risk of an accident over a quieter one that may get hit.
Of course, you can still get hit by an inattentive driver, no matter what bike you ride or how loud it is. Motorcycle accidents happen every day and put many people in the hospital. If that happens to you, make sure you understand your rights to financial compensation.