Motorcycles can be a lot of fun. The feel of the open road is uniquely experienced when on the back of one. Unfortunately, however, motorcycles also come with some unique and rather serious dangers. Motorcycles are all out in the open. This can make for an exceptionally fun mode of transportation, but it also means that this way of getting around lacks the fundamental structural protections that are enjoyed by those riding in cars. There is no protection of a frame. Airbags will not be deployed. A seat belt will not protect you from being jettisoned far off after impact. Motorcycle accidents often have tragic, even fatal results. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 4,985 motorcyclists were killed in 2018. Per vehicle miles traveled, NHTSA states that motorcycles are around 28 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than those passengers in cars. To help stay safe on a motorcycle, be aware of some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents so you can take steps to prevent being involved in one.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Unsafe lane changes are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. These unsafe lane changes are often the result of a driver failing to check his or her blind spots. Motorcycles are much smaller than cars. Drivers should take extra care to check blind spots twice for motorcycles. Additionally, proper signals should also be used to let motorcyclists and other drivers on the road know that you intend to change lanes.
It may be surprising to learn that another common cause of motorcycle accidents is actually car doors being opened. It is not uncommon for a driver to open the door of a parked vehicle directly into the path of an oncoming motorcycle. Take care to check for oncoming vehicles, motorcycles, and bikes before you open your car door. You could just save a life.
Speeding will also commonly lead to destruction on the road and is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Due to speeding, a vehicle, whether it be a car, truck, motorcycle, or another vehicle type, has an impaired ability to see and a decreased time to react to things such as other drivers on the road. These conditions greatly increase the chances for an accident to occur.
While tempting for motorcycles, especially in times of heavy traffic jams, lane splitting is dangerous. Lane splitting occurs when someone drives between two lanes of traffic. Motorcycles may be especially tempted to drive in between lanes of vehicles to get through backed up traffic, but it can all too easily result in a motorcycle accident. This is because the motorcycle places itself in such close proximity of the cars with significantly reduced space to maneuver. There is also the added danger that cars do not usually anticipate someone driving in between them. The unpredictability and dangerous nature of lane splitting can lead to devastating accidents.
Dangerous road conditions also pose an exceptional threat to the safety of motorcyclists. Roads in disrepair, such as those with potholes, or debris and gravel on the roadway, can cause a motorcyclist to lose control of his or her bike. Motorcyclists can skid off a roadway or be tossed from the motorcycle itself should it be confronted with these dangerous road conditions.
Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, get in touch with the trusted attorneys at SoCal Injury Lawyers. Focus on recovery while we work to get you the compensation to which you are legally entitled. Contact us today.