Motorcycle accidents are common, and more than 82,000 people in the United States suffer injuries each year, ranging from minor to severe.
The most common motorcycle accidents often involve collisions with other vehicles or other objects, speeding, and poor weather conditions. There are some steps that you can take to enjoy your bike safely and avoid the most common motorcycle accidents.
A Left Turning Car
One of the most common motorcycle accidents occurs when cars turn left in front of riders. As you’re entering the intersection, a driver hits you while trying to make a turn. Driver inattention, inexperience, or simply surprise (they’re expecting cars, not motorcycles) can lead to a debilitating accident for you.
The best way to avoid this is to anticipate it. Watch for cars in the turning lane, a car slowing on a green light, or an unusual gap in traffic. Keep your foot on the brake and be prepared to stop if a car starts to turn in front of you.
Taking a Curve Too Quickly
You hit that corner a bit faster than you intended and now it’s tightening and there’s no way out. This is a major problem that befalls motorcyclists every day. The only way to avoid this type of accident is to be fully aware of your surroundings and think a few seconds ahead. As a cyclist, you will simply have to develop a sixth sense about things when you’re on the road.
Visual clues like telephone poles, trees, and road signage can give you an indication of which way the road is heading. Start slowing well before you need to. When you find yourself in a tight turn, take as much lean out of the bike as you can and avoid sudden maneuvers like sharp braking or chopping the throttle.
Also read: Road Safety 101: How to Ride a Motorcycle Safely
A Car Makes a Sudden Lane Change
Many bikers get injured every year when motorists overtake their lanes. Motorists are often looking out for other cars and trucks, not so much for cyclists. Cars have some pretty wide blind spots, so the less time you’re in them, the better. Look for the driver’s eyes in the mirror as a general indication that they can see you.
It is important to keep in mind that just because they can see you, it doesn’t mean they are necessarily looking at you. Drivers are notorious for being distracted in traffic, so it’s best to play it safe and keep your distance, being ready to react to sudden lane changes. Look out for signs that a driver is about to change lanes — head moving, drifting to the left or right, wheels gradually moving out of the lane, and of course, a turn signal.
Your Riding Buddy Is Careless
It happens more than we care to admit. The people we choose to ride with create hazardous situations for us on the road. One person in the front isn’t paying attention and crashes into the bike ahead of him.
The key to avoiding this accident is to ensure that everyone is aware of proper riding rules and etiquette. Ride in a staggered formation so that everyone has enough stopping distance. If you see that a rider in the group is riding recklessly, hang back and let him get ahead of you so that you’re not in his orbit when he inevitably makes a mistake.
Also read: 9 Best Road Bikes Under 1000 Dollars
A Parked Car Door Swings Open
You’re riding between a line of parked cars and an active traffic lane when, out of nowhere, someone swings their car door open. The best thing you can do in this situation is hit the brakes and slow yourself down as quickly as possible. You’re probably going to collide either way, but at the very least, you’ll hit it at a slower speed.
Never ride next to a row of parked cars. Pedestrians dart out from between parked cars, cars pull out unexpectedly and people swing open doors. Keep your distance.
If you have been hurt while biking, the best thing you can do is get help immediately. Hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer for a minor accident is the best way you can ensure that you can recover any money you’re owed and get back on the road quickly. Select a lawyer with experience handling motorcycle accidents They can get you the relief you deserve. Most firms offer free consultations.
