5 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Does traveling on the open road with the wind against your face make you happy? Would you like to buy a motorcycle but have concerns with how safe you will be while riding?
In 2020 motorcycle sales exploded all across America. This is understandable since being outdoors enjoying fresh air allows you to improve mental health, boost your mood, and relieve stress.
If you are looking for tips to keep you safe on your motorcycle, you have come to the right place! Use our guide to learn the different causes of motorcycle accidents and how you can prevent them.
Left-Hand Turns
The most common reason for motorcycle accidents occurs when a car is making a left-hand turn. Intersections are dangerous, but when you add in the motorcycle’s smaller size, it can be in the vehicle’s blind spot.
Accidents have a greater chance of happening when a light is about to change. Drivers get anxious when they only have a few seconds to make a turn.
Drinking and Driving
Many motorcycle accidents are caused when people mix drinking and driving. Alcohol is known to impact coordination and slow down reaction times. This can lead to impaired judgment while operating a motorcycle or vehicle.
In addition, a motorcycle does not provide the rider with much protection. So when a crash happens, serious injury and death of the rider can be the result.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when a car or motorcycle drives between two lanes. This is a maneuver to avoid traffic caused by stopped or slow-moving vehicles.
If your motorcycle is between two lanes, you are closer to a car than if you were only in one lane. In addition, if a vehicle is lane splitting, this reduces the amount of space a motorcycle has to navigate around traffic.
These factors result in a situation where the car blocks the motorcyclist’s path, resulting in a collision. You should do your best to avoid lane splitting.
Road Hazards
Motorcycles face a greater danger from road hazards than cars since they are on two wheels instead of four. Due to the smaller size of a bike, the following road hazards can cause an accident:
- construction sites
- potholes
- dead animals
- slick roads
- inconsistent surfaces
It only takes a second for an average road trip to turn into a dangerous situation. When you are on the lookout for road hazards, you practice motorcycle safety.
Traveling at a High-Speed
When you travel at speeds higher than the speed limit, there is a higher probability of losing control of your motorcycle. It becomes more difficult to slow down when turning a corner or if a vehicle stops in front of you without warning.
Reduced riding speeds allow you to drive defensively, change course when you sense danger ahead, and react without hesitation.
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you have had an accident and suffer from motorcycle injuries, seek help immediately. Go to your nearest hospital to receive the proper medical treatment.
It is also important that you seek out a motorcycle accident attorney. They are lawyers who specialize in helping motorcycle drivers involved in crashes.
They will investigate the crash and determine if you are eligible for a settlement. This will help you to pay for your medical bills, recuperate income loss, and cover any pain and suffering you have experienced.
Prevent the Main Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Staying safe on your bike is not impossible! Practice motorcycle accident prevention, and you will play your part in avoiding a crash. And if you do find yourself in a Motorcycle Accident Near Me, hire a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Use our guide to help prevent the main causes of motorcycle accidents, and you will be on your way to enjoying your ride into the sunset!
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