Motorcycle riders are more susceptible to injury and death in accidents simply because of the lack of protection due to the design of the vehicle. The New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety reports that motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than those in passenger vehicles.
Knowing the three most common causes of motorcycle accidents may help riders avoid these collisions.
1. Speed
Excessive speed makes it difficult to stop quickly or avoid road hazards. Unfortunately, higher speeds can also cause more severe damage and injury. The simple solution to this is to drive at the posted speed limit.
2. Blind spots
The small size of motorcycles means that passenger vehicle drivers might not notice them in their blind spots. In these situations, cars may pull in front of or collide with motorcyclists because the driver can not see them. The easiest way to avoid these accidents is by avoiding riding in cars’ blind spots.
3. Sudden stops
Whether a rider does not pay attention to the car or road in front of them or hazards appear suddenly in front of riders, sudden stops can be catastrophic. Not only might vehicles behind the riders rear-end the bikes, but riders may lock the brakes and get ejected over the bikes’ handlebars. Riders can avoid locking up their brakes by getting to know the behavior of their bikes through routine practice. They should also pull to the side of other cars or traffic lanes at stops to be out of the direct lane of the vehicles behind them.
Motorcycle riders can not control what other drivers do. Fortunately, they can make decisions about how they ride and take action to avoid accidents.