Jumping on your motorcycle and heading out on the road, may be an adventure for many, but it’s not without risk—motorcycle accidents are more common than you might think. Whether you’re a new or experienced motorcycle rider, it’s helpful to know the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Speeding Is One of the Most Common Reasons for Motorcycle Accidents – Riding a motorcycle means you must know how to drive safely, and you must know, it’s not always safe to drive at the posted speed limits. Riding over the speed limit is never a good idea either as it frequently leads to skidding off the road or hitting other vehicles.
Wet Roads – Wet roads can be a real danger when biking. Riding on two wheels at high speeds is a balancing act as it is, but add in slippery roads and it’s a recipe for disaster. It’s best to avoid riding in the rain, but if you have to, slow down and follow all motorcycle safety tips. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for hazards in the road from the storm, such as downed tree branches or debris. They can run bikes off the road and cause you to fly off your seat, risking serious injury. Almost 4,985 cyclists are killed on the roads each year, so you’ll always want to wear protective gear, check your gear before each ride, and drive responsibly.
Cars Turning Left – You may be surprised to learn that another common cause of accidents is cars turning left. When a car is turning left, they sometimes don’t see motorcycles passing through an intersection. Bikes can sometimes be in the blind spots of drivers, and sometimes car drivers don’t pay as much attention as they should. This can make intersections a dangerous place. To help minimize the chance of this happening to you, always keep your eyes on the road at all times and be vigilant of your surroundings.
Drinking and Driving don’t mix – Motorcyclists are required to abide by the legal BAC limit, just like drivers, so don’t take the risk.
Switching Lanes – When you’re switching lanes or passing on a busy road, it’s important to drive defensively and be aware of the positioning of other vehicles. Motorcycles can be hard to see, especially when traveling at fast speeds on the highway. As a result, motorcyclists end up in the blind spots of drivers when they’re switching lanes, which can often lead to crashes.
Inexperience – The day you receive your motorcycle license is an exciting one, but it’s important to remember that you’re still learning. It takes years of on the road experience to know what to do in all situations on the bike. Try to always ride with caution, especially when you’re just starting out. It can be helpful to take a few weekend motorcycle safety classes if you need an extra boost of confidence. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with basic motorcycle tips to keep yourself safe. These include staying focused, always keeping your eye on the road, and making sure both you and your passenger are fully decked out in the necessary safety gear, including helmets. The more careful and cautious you are, the less likely you are to be hurt in an accident.
Contact Us for Help After Getting in a Motorcycle Accident – To reduce your chances of motorcycle accidents, always ride safely and watch out for the scenarios mentioned above. However, if you’ve already been in one, you know how stressful accidents can be.
If you need help, accident lawyer John Fagan is here for you. Our personal injury firm is based in Orange Park, Florida and serves the surrounding areas. There’s never a fee, unless we get money for you. Call us today at 777-JOHN!
