The failure to see a motorcyclist is a well-known problem on Missouri roads. Some commentators say that a driver may seem to make eye contact with a motorcyclist, but still fail to see the rider. Intersections are a common site for motorcycle accidents. Drivers may fail to yield for an approaching biker while making a left-hand turn in the path of an oncoming motorcycle.

Three motorcyclists were traveling on Route A in Wentzville, Missouri, on Tuesday morning. The riders were heading south on the highway. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says that the driver of a school bus attempted to enter Route A heading northbound around 7:00 in the morning. Authorities say that the bus pulled out in front of the three southbound riders.

Two of the motorcycle riders were not able to avoid colliding with the school bus. The two men were killed. A third rider struck debris and was ejected from his motorcycle—his condition has not been listed in recent news reports.

Authorities say that there were not any students on the bus. The school bus driver escaped injury in the wreck.

State officials called in a team of accident investigators to gather information as the cause of the accident remains under review.

Left-hand turn accidents may involve any kind of motor vehicle. But, when an accident involves a motorcyclist, the rider can face grave harms, including the high potential for fatal injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges drivers to be on the lookout for motorcycles.

The agency notes that Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is not recognized until May. But, riders may be on the road much earlier, and drivers should know that motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as drivers of any type of vehicle.

Source: CBS St. Louis, “Victims Identified in Motorcycle, School Bus Crash,” Mar. 11, 2014; KSDK, “Two killed in accident involving school bus in Wentzville,” Kevin Held and Allison Sylte, Mar. 11. 2014