Personal Injury Attorneys – In Partnership With Calhoun Meridith
Common Causes of Motorcycle Wrecks and How to Avoid Them
A motorcycle wreck, or a motorcycle accident or crash, occurs when a motorcycle collides with another vehicle, object, or person. It can result in property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Various factors, including driver error, road conditions, weather, and other external factors, can cause serious motorcycle crashes and wrecks. Due to the lack of protection that motorcycles offer compared to cars or other vehicles, injury rates in fatal motorcycle crashes and wrecks can be more severe and potentially life-threatening. Riders must take safety precautions and follow traffic rules to minimize the risk of fatal crashes or motorcycle wrecks.
Motorcycles provide an unparalleled sensation of independence and adventure. However, this sense of liberation also carries a heightened risk of injury or fatality in the event of an accident. By adhering to these guidelines, you can diminish the chances of a motorcycle collision and relish the freedom of the open road with greater peace of mind.
Common causes of motorcycle wrecks
Despite being a thrilling mode of transportation, riding a motorcycle has risks. Understanding the most common causes of serious motorcycle collisions, fatalities and wrecks can help you avoid them and stay safe on the road. Here are some of the most frequent causes of serious motorcycle fatalities and accidents:
Distracted driving:
Distracted driving is a major cause of car accidents and is particularly dangerous for motorcyclists. When car drivers are texting, eating, or simply not paying attention, they may not see a motorcycle until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
Speeding of light trucks:
Speeding is another common cause of crashes, fatalities, motorcycle wrecks head injuries and crashes. When motorcyclists exceed the speed limit, statistics show they have less time to react to obstacles and reduce their ability to control their bikes.
Lane splitting:
Lane splitting, or riding between lanes of traffic, on motorcycles is legal in some states but not in others. Regardless of the law, it can be dangerous for motorcyclists, as other vehicle drivers and passengers may not expect to see a motorcycle passing them in traffic.
Inexperienced riders:
Riding a motorcycle requires a certain level of skill and experience. Novice motorcycle riders may be more likely than motorcycle riders to make mistakes that can lead to fatal traffic accidents.
Riding under the influence:
Riding a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous. It can impair your judgment slow your reaction time, and make it difficult to control your bike.
Poor road conditions:
Potholes, debris, and uneven pavement can be hazardous for cars and motorcyclists. These road conditions can cause a loss of control or lead to a collision.
Lack of protective gear:
Motorcyclists who don’t wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets and protective clothing, are at a higher risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident crash.
By being aware of these common causes of fatal crashes and other motorcycle crashes, collisions and wrecks, you can take steps to avoid them and reduce your risk of injury or death on the road.
How to avoid motorcycle wrecks
Motorcycles can be a thrilling mode of transportation, but they also have a higher risk of accidents and serious injury rates than other vehicles. However, with the right knowledge and precautions, minimizing your risk of being involved in a motorcycle wreck is possible. This article will explore some common causes of motorcycle wrecks and injuries and provide tips on avoiding them.
Distracted driving:
Distracted driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents, hence motorcycle helmets, as drivers who are not paying attention to the road can easily miss motorcycles on the road. To avoid being a victim of a distracted driver crash while driving with a motorcycle helmet, keep the following motorcycle helmet top tips in mind:
Stay alert and focused while riding your motorcycle.
Ensure you are visible to other vehicles and drivers by wearing bright or reflective clothing and using your headlights.
Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
Assume that other vehicle drivers may not see you, and always be prepared to take evasive action.
Speeding:
Speeding is a common cause of many fatalities in motorcycle accidents, as it reduces the rider’s reaction time and makes it more difficult to manoeuvre the motorcycle. To avoid being involved in a speed-related accident, follow these tips:
- Obey the posted speed limit and adjust your speed for road conditions.
- Always keep safe from other vehicles and be aware of your surroundings.
- Never drink and ride.
Lane splitting:
Lane splitting refers to a vehicle or person riding a car or motorcycle between lanes of traffic. While it may be legal in some states, it can be dangerous and increase the risk of a collision. To avoid a lane-splitting accident:
- Check your local laws to determine whether lane splitting is legal.
- If you choose to lane split, do so at a slow speed and only when traffic is moving slowly or stopped.
- Be aware of the risks and always use caution when lane splitting.
Left-hand turns:
Left-hand turns by other vehicle drivers can be a serious crash hazard for other motorists and motorcyclists. To avoid a left-hand turn accident:
- Be aware of other drivers’ intentions and look for signs they may be preparing to turn left.
- Slow down and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
- Use your horn or headlights to alert drivers to your presence.
Riding under the influence:
Riding a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. To avoid a DUI-related accident:
- Never ride a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If you plan on drinking, arrange for a sober ride home.
Here are some tips for staying safe on a motorcycle and avoiding wrecks:
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a DOT-approved helmet and other protective gear, including gloves, boots, and protective clothing.
- Get Proper Training: Take a motorcycle safety course to learn how to ride safely and effectively.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Obey traffic and road signs, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals.
- Stay Alert: Stay alert and focused on the road ahead when vehicle miles travelled, avoiding distractions like texting or using your phone while riding.
- Maintain Your Motorcycle: Regularly maintain your motorcycle, including checking the brakes, tires, and lights before each ride.
- Be Visible: Wear bright, reflective clothing to increase visibility, and use your motorcycle’s headlights and turn signals.
- Avoid Riding in Adverse Conditions: Avoid riding in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or icy roads.
Conclusion
To summarize, riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling and pleasurable endeavour; however, it entails a greater likelihood of accidents, head injuries, fertility rates crashes, deaths and injuries when compared to using passenger cars and other modes of transportation. By comprehending the typical causes of most motorcycle crashes and collisions and implementing measures to circumvent them, you can significantly diminish the possibility of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
At Personal Injury near me, we understand the importance of motorcycle requires safety and the devastating impact a motorcycle accident can have on your life. That’s why we encourage all motorcycle riders to prioritize safety and take precautions to protect their passengers and give them medical bills and themselves while on the road.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to help. We specialize in representing victims of motorcycle accidents and are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait – contact Personal Injury near me today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. Remember, when it comes to motorcycle safety, the best defence is a good offence. Ride smart, stay safe, and enjoy the open road!