There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom you get when you ride your motorcycle. That sense of exhilaration and power is undeniable. Unfortunately, it also comes with a degree of risk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of motorcyclists lose their lives each year from motorcycle accidents. In fact, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed in an accident than other passengers in a car or truck. Unfortunately, in these cases you will want to talk to a motorcycle accident attorney such as Rosensteel Fleishman in Charlotte, NC to discuss your injury case.
However, if you take the necessary precautions and exercise caution when riding your motorcycle, the odds of being involved in an accident can be greatly reduced. Nonetheless, many accidents involving motorcycles can be traced back to a very common cause: human error.
Below we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents so that you can know what you can do as a rider to mitigate their impact on your safety on the road.
Table of Contents
Driving Under the Influence
An Austin motorcycle accident lawyer shares: It’s a well-established fact that driving under the influence poses a significant threat to road safety, leading to serious and potentially fatal accidents. Unfortunately, riding a motorcycle while intoxicated is even more dangerous. Motorcycles lack the stability, protection, and seeability of larger vehicles, making them far more susceptible to accidents.
If you are pulled over for any reason while operating a motorcycle and are suspected of being intoxicated, you could be charged with a DUI and might need the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer. If convicted, you could face serious fines, jail time, and even a lengthy license suspension.
Distracted Drivers
Driving while distracted is a very widespread reason for motorcycle accidents. Distracted driving accident lawyer – when do you need one? is the question. Any activity that takes the driver’s attention off the road for too long can lead to a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most common distractions are cell phone usage, misusing bike accessories, and interactions with other motorists or passengers.
Improper Lane Changes
Lane changes don’t just apply to cars. When driving a motorcycle, you may need to change lanes from time to time as well. However, you must always ensure you change lanes safely and effectively. This means paying close attention to the flow of traffic around you, checking your rear and side mirrors, and using turn signals as needed
In many cases, you should also use your turn signal to inform other drivers of your intentions. If another driver misses your turn signal and tries to change lanes at the same time as you, an accident is likely to occur.
Poor Weather Conditions
While it is important to drive according to road conditions most of the time, you should be especially careful when driving on icy or wet roads. Foggy weather, for instance, can reduce visibility, making it harder for other drivers to see your motorcycle and increasing the risk of a collision.
If you have to drive under terrible weather, you should drive slowly and carefully. Driving too fast can easily cause an accident as you can easily lose control of your bike. Alternatively, you may also want to consider postponing your trip until the weather conditions improve.
In Conclusion
Riders have come a long way since leather jackets and helmets were the only safety measures available. Today’s modern rider has access to a variety of different accessories, clothing, and helmets that not only keep them safe but can also alert other drivers to their presence on the road.
Nevertheless, even with all these precautions in place, accidents can still occur. Ultimately, the best way to avoid being involved in a motorcycle accident is to be careful and vigilant when driving. If you keep your eyes on the road and drive according to the rules of the road, you drastically reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
