Motorcyclists are way more likely to be involved in a serious accident than any car driver. Since motorcycles don’t have a protective cabin-like four-wheelers do, any accident or collision can be deadly and fatal for the drivers.
Even protective gear like helmets, knee pads, and elbow guards can only provide so much protection in the event of a crash. Statistics suggest that around 80% of reported crashes result in minor injuries, while 5% result in fatalities.
Motorcycle safety is not only a concern for the riders but also for the other vehicles on the road. Every day, we hear about road accidents and the reasons are more or less the same.
Being conscious and aware of the common mistakes that motorcyclists make on the road can help us avoid the most common mistakes. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents you should know about.
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1. Speeding
Motorcycles have a powerful engine with a small frame which makes them go faster. With great speed comes great responsibility. It is really difficult to control a motorcycle if you’re traveling too fast.
A rider needs to make split-second decisions to avoid crashing when the motorcycle is going at high speeds. In some cases where the motorcycle is going way too fast to be slowed or stopped in time by the rider, the chances of colliding with side-rails or other vehicles increase dramatically.
And a crash at that speed will most likely be fatal or cause grave injuries. Always follow the speed limit and only travel at speeds at which you can easily control or maneuver your bike safely.
2. Inappropriate Lane Switching
Many accidents happen when vehicles change lanes. Since motorcycles are harder to spot in rearview mirrors, it is highly likely that a vehicle will hit a motorcycle while making a turn or switching lanes. Also known as lane splitting, driving your motorcycle between two lanes of traffic can lead you into an accident. In some scenarios, motorcyclists driving between two lanes are often hit by an overtaking vehicle.
3. Driving Under The Influence
About 30% of the reported road accidents involve a driver driving under the influence of alcohol or some kind of drug. Such drivers may face civil and criminal charges, which are quite common in big cities like Lexington, Kentucky.
If you have been involved in such an unfortunate situation, it would be wise to look for the best personal injury lawyers in your area; these experts can help you sue the responsible party. Drinking and driving is a swift way to get admitted into a hospital or worse. Consuming alcohol or drugs dampens our senses, making it harder for us to react to our surroundings. This severely multiplies the chances of being involved in a crash or an accident.
4. Sudden Braking
Quite often, applying brakes all of a sudden becomes the cause of a drastic road accident. It can happen to anyone. Bringing your motorcycle to a sudden stop can cause the vehicles behind to ram into you.
Or if you’re following the vehicle ahead of you too closely then the risk of crashing increases greatly. Always keep a safe distance from cars driving in front of you, and give appropriate signals before slowing your motorcycle or bringing it to a complete stop.
5. Overtaking
We’ve seen a lot of accidents happen when vehicles try to overtake each other. And if you’re traveling on a single-lane road, the danger from oncoming traffic is imminent. Sometimes drivers make mistakes in judging the speed of the vehicle in front and end up over-accelerating to make the cut.
This is dangerous not only for the driver themself but also for the vehicle being overtaken and the vehicles approaching from the other side. Always use your horn or headlights to warn vehicles before overtaking them if you feel they haven’t noticed your motorcycle.
6. Car Doors
Opening the doors of a parked car without looking behind can result in someone accidentally crashing into the door. It happens mostly with bikes or motorcycles since they tend to be difficult to spot.
If you're riding on a motorcycle, keep enough buffer space while driving by parked vehicles to avoid such scenarios. In case you see someone opening their doors, you should use your motorcycle’s horn to warn them that you’re passing by.
7. Dangerous Road Conditions
Another main cause of motorcycle accidents is dangerous road conditions. Potholes, uneven terrain, or debris can result in fatal accidents not only for motorcyclists but also for four-wheelers.
Some drivers try to swerve in order to avoid hitting a pothole on the road, which is dangerous if there are other cars or motorcycles close by. In many cases, riders lose control of their motorcycles while trying to avoid certain obstacles on the road.
8. Inexperienced Drivers
Riding a motorcycle is completely different from driving a car. You need to be ultra-attentive towards everything while riding a two-wheeler otherwise it is easy to lose balance and fall off the motorcycle.
New drivers tend to be involved in road accidents much more than seasoned drivers. It takes time to get accustomed to the weight and size of motorcycles. With time it gets easier to maneuver the motorcycle. Till then, ride slow and safe!
9. Unserviced Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle with faulty parts can be suicidal. If you own a motorcycle, you should know when it is time to get a service check done.
Regularly check the pressure in the tires and the levels of engine and brake oil. Get your brake pads and clutch plate inspected by a good mechanic every month. With proper precautions, you can minimize the chances of an accident.
Motorcycle accidents can happen due to human errors, machinery faults, or external factors. Although we can’t eliminate external factors, we can make sure to practice safety for our own benefit.
To avoid being injured on the road, motorcyclists must exercise caution, follow the speed limit, and pay attention to road signs.
It is possible to ride a motorcycle through small gaps, but the risk involved is great, so you’re better off sticking to the designated lanes. Last but not least, always slow down if your instincts warn you about a potential danger.