The warm weather is here, and it’s that time of the year when you can expect to see more motorbikes on the road than usual. And like other riders, you could also be thinking of joining in on the fun.
While riding a motorcycle can be fun, it is risky. NHTSA data shows that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in an accident than car drivers.
On the bright side, millions of motorcycle riders have never been in an accident, and you, too, can avoid getting in a crash. The first step in accident prevention is knowing the causes and how to avoid them.
What If an Accident Happens
No matter how careful you are while on the road, there is always the risk of getting into an accident. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents usually result in catastrophic injuries that could alter a person’s life.
The cost of treatment can also get pretty high and could potentially drain all your cash reserves. Fortunately, you could recover damages if your accident resulted from the negligent actions of another person, such as a driver, a governmental agency tasked with maintaining the road, or the contractor.
Because injury claims can get pretty complicated, you will need to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer if you are involved in a motorcycle accident that leaves you with serious injuries.
Major Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
1. Vehicles Making Left Turns
Left turning vehicles are required by law to yield right of way to oncoming vehicles. Making a left turn at the wrong time can result in an accident, especially if the oncoming driver is unprepared or moving relatively fast.
The main reasons a driver would make a left turn at the wrong time could be distracted driving and failing to check their blind spot. For motorcyclists, the risk of a left turn accident is even higher because the turning driver may fail to notice them because of their small size compared to cars.
To be safe, ensure you approach intersections cautiously and look out for turn signals to identify left-turning vehicles. You may also want to ensure that you keep your headlights on even during the day to increase your visibility.
2. Hazardous Roads
When riding a car, changes in road conditions may not pose much danger because vehicles are relatively stable. But the same can’t be said of motorcycles because they run on two wheels. If there is an abrupt change in road condition, their chances of crashing are pretty high.
If you are riding for leisure, it would be best to ride on familiar roads. But if you must ride on an unfamiliar road, be on the lookout for changes in road conditions and drive at a speed that would not put you at risk of an accident if you hit a rough spot unexpectedly.
3. Riding Behavior
Like drivers, motorcyclists’ behavior on the road can increase or reduce their chances of getting into an accident. Motorcycles can be pretty fast, and it could be a thrill, but it takes the risk of getting into an accident way higher, so you may want to avoid speeding and stick to the posted speed limits or even lower.
Distracted riding is also a significant problem with motorcyclists. It is dangerous enough to drive a car while distracted, but the danger is much greater for motorcyclists. So, avoid distractions like talking on the phone or checking a message while on the road.
Having the Right Protective Gear Is Important
The only level of protection for a motorcyclist is their riding gear. Because you can’t eliminate the possibility of an accident, ensure that you invest in a helmet and riding suit and wear them every time you are on the road.
