Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

Let’s face it, motorcycles are dangerous, and that’s a huge part of their allure. Unlike even

the smallest car, motorcycles don’t offer any barriers between you and the rest of the

world. While that can enhance your sense of freedom, it can also make you much more

vulnerable to injury if you get into an accident. Also, because there’s nothing to keep you

from being thrown from your vehicle, and nothing to stop or absorb the impact, you are

also more likely to suffer serious and even disabling injuries­­even in a seemingly minor

collision. These injuries can often lead to greater financial hardships down the road.

Below are some common causes of motorcycle accidents, and some ways to prevent

them.

Other Drivers

Other drivers are perhaps the biggest cause of motorcycle collisions. The most common

type of collision is where the driver of a car makes a left­hand turn in front of a motorcycle

because as it is travelling through an intersection. The motorcycle hits either the front or

the side of the car, and the rider is thrown from the vehicles. Another common type of

collision is from cars changing lanes and hitting the motorcycle.

Most of these collisions are due to the driver not seeing the motorcycle. Because

motorcycles are small, they are often not visible, especially when there is other traffic.

They can also completely disappear in a car’s blind spot.

Prevention

There is really no way to control the actions of other drivers. However, you might be able

to do things to make yourself more visible to surrounding traffic, such as wearing a bright

helmet or protective clothing. Michael Pines, a motorcycle injury lawyer in San Diego, also

advises that wearing protective gear can seriously reduce your risk of injury in a collision.

Also remember that if you are injured, a motorcycle accident law firm can help you

financially by ensuring that you get compensation if another driver is at fault.

The Motorcycle Rider

Part of what makes motorcycles fun is the ease a which you can zip in and out of traffic,

and fit into spaces and drive at speeds that you might not be able to accomplish in a car.

Unfortunately, the very things that make driving a motorcycle fun can also put you at

greater risk of having an accident.

For example, there is a practice called lane splitting where a motorcycle drives between

two lanes of cars, usually during traffic jams when several lanes of traffic are stopped.

This practice is very dangerous because the motorcycle passes within very close

proximity of other car, has very little space to maneuver, and automobile drivers often

don’t realize that someone might be driving between the lanes.

Other motorcycle behavior that can contribute to accidents includes speeding and alcohol

use.

Prevention

Try to avoid lane splitting, sharing a lane with other cars, and cutting in and out of traffic at

high speeds, whenever possible. If you absolutely must split lanes, honk your horn so that

drivers are aware that your are driving by. Avoid consuming alcohol, drugs, or

medications before driving your motorcycle.

The Road and Weather Conditions

Bad road conditions can be problematic for any vehicle, but they can be especially

dangerous for motorcycles because they are more susceptible to hydroplaning.

Motorcycle tires are thinner and have a more shallow tread depth than automobile tires,

which makes it much harder for them to channel water. Ice, oil slicks, and even loose

roads, like gravel or sand, can all cause a motorcycle to lose traction and make it more

difficult to control.

Weather conditions don’t just affect the road surfaces, they can also affect visibility.

Heavy fog can make it difficult for the motorcycle rider to see other vehicles, and road

hazards, but it can also make it more difficult for other drivers to see the rider.

Prevention

Check your tires to make sure the treads are in good condition. If not, the replace them.

You should also use caution when driving in wet or icy road conditions. Consider avoiding

heavy fog or install fog lights to improve your visibility.