Riding a motorcycle in dangerous road conditions may result in a fatal accident.
Motorcycles can be fun and exciting because they are fast, flexible and easy to operate. However, it can also cause serious accidents when not maneuvered appropriately. Unlike four-wheel drive vehicles, collisions involving motorcycles are more life-threatening because motorcyclists do not have external protection against strong impacts.
When you get into an accident, you may suffer an injury that could lead to disability and other serious consequences. When this occurs, you may be eligible to pursue legal action and seek compensation with the help of a professional legal counsel. Hence, if you do not want to go through all the trouble, you need to maintain your safety and health while riding a motorbike. You can do this effectively by learning about the typical causes of motorcycle accidents.
Read on to find out the six typical causes of motorcycle accidents.
- reckless driving
This is another typical reason why motorcyclists get involved in a catastrophic road accident. In general, reckless driving adheres to the following:
- the speed: Motorcycles allow you to drive faster than other vehicles. However, speeding may expose yourself and other motorists on the road to a serious accident. This is because you have less time to see and interact with other drivers to prevent a collision. Remember that the faster you drive, the higher the chances that you will have a motorcycle accident with serious consequences.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: Riding a motorcycle after drinking can also cause a road accident. When you drink alcohol, you experience less reaction which prevents you from making a quick decision on the road, increasing your odds of having an accident.
Accidents caused by reckless driving can be avoided. For example, you should avoid riding your bike at high speed. If you are drunk, decide not to drive to prevent an unfortunate accident. Alternatively, call a taxi or ask a friend to drive your motorcycle.
- Lane division
A motorcyclist is in an aggressive lane split situation. Photo was taken by Ryan J. Farrick.
The practice of riding a motorcycle between two lanes is known as lane splitting. Depending on where you live, it can be legal or illegal. But, even if you are allowed, splitting the lane is discouraged as it may cause a motorcycle accident.
Due to the proximity of other vehicles on the road, you have limited space to maneuver your motorcycle, leaving you vulnerable to accidents. So, no matter the conditions, refrain from slipping on the trails while riding your road bike.
- left turns
Another common cause of motorcycle accidents is motorists making errors in judgment when turning left. This usually happens because they mistakenly believe they have a safe distance from an oncoming vehicle. Because motorcycles are small and less visible, a dangerous collision with a left-turning vehicle can occur.
It is best to approach or approach an intersection while being careful so that other motorists can see you before turning left.
- Tail
Although a rear-end accident can be a major cause of road accidents for different types of vehicles, an accident involving a motorcycle can result in serious injury or death. This usually happens when the collision dislodges the motorcyclist from the bike.
Hence, to avoid this unfortunate situation, don’t get too close behind other vehicles by keeping a safe distance while navigating the highways.
- Collision with stationary objects
If you veer off the road, there is a good chance you will hit a stationary object, such as a dead animal, tree, or tire. It is one of the typical causes of motorcycle accidents. In some cases, a collision can be more serious if you are thrown from a motorcycle due to a loss of control.
Depending on the level of impact, the consequences can lead to your temporary or permanent disability or death. To protect yourself and other motorists from this accident, be sure to keep both arms on the handlebars of the bike and be careful of objects blocking the road.
- bad road condition
Riding a motorcycle in dangerous road conditions may result in a fatal accident. For example, debris, slippery surfaces, potholes, and an animal suddenly appearing in the middle of the road can make you lose control while maneuvering your bike.
You can avoid accidents caused by poor road conditions by being aware of your surroundings and not riding your bike during inclement weather.
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Dealing with a motorcycle accident can be frustrating and traumatic. If you are not careful enough while driving, you can sustain injuries that can change your life forever. However, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the common causes of motorcycle accidents, as mentioned above.
By doing so, you can take the necessary steps to prevent these road accidents as much as possible. Remember that any motorcycle accident can lead to legal trouble. If this happens, you should be legally prepared by working with an experienced attorney in your area.