Motorcyclists account for 14% of traffic fatalities. While there is no way to fully prevent any motorcycle crash, there are a few things motorcycle riders can do to stay safe. To help you have fun and stay safe on the open road, we’ve rounded up a few of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.
Whether you’re looking for safety tips or legal help, this guide has you covered. From avoiding distractions to staying off the road in bad weather, there are a few easy things you can do to help make sure your ride is a good one.
1. Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, reaction time, and vision. They also impact balance, hearing, coordination, and memory. If you have been in a motorcycle crash due to alcohol use or the fault of another driver, this personal injury lawyer is here to help you get through it.
Alcohol is a depressant that slows down your body’s functions. This can lead to accidents because it makes it harder for you to react quickly or safely in an emergency. Drugs such as marijuana have similar effects on the brain as alcohol, but they’re stronger and they slow down your reflexes even more than drinking does. The risk of having an accident is even higher if you combine the two.
To help prevent accidents, stay clear of drugs and alcohol. If you are unsure if you can drive, always take the cautious route, and call a driving service. The limit for drunk driving is a blood alcohol concentration, for example, of 0.8.
2. Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Speeding is dangerous and makes it hard to control your motorcycle. It also makes it harder to react to other drivers on the road.
When you’re going too fast, it’s difficult to turn, stop, and move out of the way. Stay within the speed limit and keep yourself in control. While you can’t control other drivers on the road, you can control how safely you travel.
3. Inexperienced Drivers
There are many reasons that inexperienced drivers are more likely to be involved in motorcycle accidents. For starters, inexperienced drivers tend to drive faster than they should. This causes a loss of control and crashes into objects or other vehicles.
Inexperienced drivers also have less drive time under their belt. They aren’t always used to their own motorcycle, road conditions, and how their bike reacts to other obstacles. The more drive and practice time a driver has the more comfortable and confident they are as a motorcyclist.
4. Distracted Driving
Driving while being distracted is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Drivers that are distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, and other gadgets can get into accidents without realizing it. Distracted driving can also happen when a driver is looking at rearview mirrors or cameras instead of the road ahead.
Distractions also include eating or drinking, grooming in mirrors, or reading maps. Listening to music on headphones or talking on the phone is also cause for concern. These distractions take your eyes off the road. Your focus is on something or someone else.
Whatever you’re doing should never take your eyes and attention off the road. Keep your focus on the road ahead and stay alert. If you need to text, change the music, or take a call wait until you’re stopped or have a safe place to pull over.
5. Lack of Sleep
Sleep deprivation affects more than just your mental and physical health. It’s a problem that affects many people, but it can be especially dangerous when you’re behind the wheel. Driving with a lack of sleep is dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.
When you’re tired, your reaction time slows down and your ability to concentrate drops off. At best, this means that it takes longer for your brain to process what’s happening in front of you. At worst, it means that you lose focus completely and don’t see anything coming until it’s too late.
If you’re too tired to drive, stay off the road. Don’t get behind the wheel when you’re tired. Get more sleep, call a driver, or ask someone else to take you where you need to go. Leave your motorcycle at home and stay safe.
6. Mechanical Problems
A common cause of motorcycle accidents is mechanical problems. All motorcycles have a failure rate, and riders should be aware of the potential for their bikes to malfunction. If you’re not sure about your bike’s condition, take it to a mechanic before riding it again.
Stay up to date with maintenance and repairs. Keeping your motorcycle in good working order will make sure it’s safe for you to drive. It also keeps other drivers on the road safe.
7. Weather
Weather conditions can be a factor in motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are often more susceptible to accidents than cars because they’re smaller, and therefore harder to see. They also aren’t protected from the elements as cars are with roofs and windows.
Inclement weather can cause visibility issues, slippery roads, and road closures. all of which increase the risk of an accident. Rain increases your chances of skidding on slick pavement or hydroplaning. If you notice heavy rain in your area before heading out for a ride on your motorcycle, wait until conditions improve before hitting the road again.
Conditions like fog can make it difficult for other drivers to see you coming from behind them. You’ll also want to avoid ice patches during winter months. Slippery roads make it easy for skids to happen. Cars on the road also skid or slide during snowstorms making it easier for them to accidentally hit you.
8. Road Conditions
Road conditions are a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Poor weather conditions, poorly maintained roads, and other factors can lead to dangerous situations on the road that can put you at risk of being involved in an accident.
Rain, snow, and fog make it difficult for drivers to see what’s ahead of them on the road. It also makes it harder for motorcycles to stop quickly when needed.
Potholes or cracks in pavement may cause you to lose control of your bike if they’re big enough or deep enough. If there are any obstacles such as rocks or tree branches on the road, then even more danger could be posed when riding over them at high speeds.
9. Other Drivers
The other drivers on the road also factor into motorcycle accidents. It’s important to be aware of other vehicles around you and their behavior. While you can’t control another driver, staying aware helps prevent an accident from happening.
Look for signs that someone may be distracted. If a driver is texting or talking on their phone, they might not notice you until it’s too late. Likewise, if they’re eating food or drinking coffee while driving, move away if possible. Distractions make them less aware than they should be while piloting their vehicle down the road.
Use turn signals when making turns or changing lanes. This will let others know what your intention is so there isn’t any confusion. Keep a good distance between you and the car in front of you as well. This gives more space behind you in case there is a collision.
10. T-Bone Collisions and Motorcycle Accidents
A T-Bone collision is when a vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. This type of collision is more common in motorcycle accidents because it’s easier for drivers to miss seeing a motorcycle than it is for them to miss seeing a larger car or truck. T-Bone collisions can be caused by distracted driving, or when a car turns left in front of a motorcycle.
Always be aware of your surroundings. You can’t always see or control other drivers on the road but the more alert you are, the easier it is to get out of harm’s way.
When to Hire an Attorney After a Motorcycle Crash
Motorcycle accidents are a serious cause of death and injury, but they don’t have to be. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to minimize them, you can help keep yourself safe on the road. If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, seek legal help to get you through the next steps.
There is a lot to navigate between insurance companies, other drivers, and medical care. If you were seriously injured and needed time in the hospital and time off work, legal services are available to assist you.
Know your rights and keep yourself protected. For more resources, head to the blog section for helpful tips and guides.
