Motorcycles are way more dangerous compared to car vehicles. They are inherently less stable and visible to most drivers on the road. Also, it lacks the necessary protection cars have, leaving the driver more vulnerable to fatal and catastrophic accidents and injuries.
Although motorcycle accidents may not be as common as car accidents, they can be more devastating and deadly. In fact, motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to suffer death in a road collision than car drivers. Therefore, it would be best to take extra precautions when riding this type of vehicle, especially when crossing highways and interstate lanes.
However, accidents may happen unexpectedly. If you or a loved one has suffered from a motorcycle accident because of someone’s negligent actions, you have the right to compensation. In this matter, it would be best to hire a motorcycle accident attorney in Englewood to make sure you get the highest possible damage or medical claims.
On the other hand, here are the most common causes that you might want to consider to help you prevent motorcycle accidents in the future:
- Alcohol And Drug Use
Unfortunately, despite many public warnings, alcohol and drug use remain one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents worldwide. If you’re under the influence of such intoxicating substances, it won’t be easy to think clearly and move accordingly. Thus, increasing your chances of meeting your fate in a catastrophic and fatal accident.
On top of that, almost one-third of riders involved in motorcycle accidents are intoxicated, meaning their blood-alcohol concentration is above the limit of 0.08%. Additionally, nearly half of these riders have alcohol in their bloodstream.
Here are the adverse effects of substance use on different parts of the brain:
- An intoxicated amygdala is linked to bad social behavior
- Intoxicated cerebellum is linked to poor balance and improper body coordination
- An intoxicated cerebral cortex is linked to poor judgment
Furthermore, alcohol and drugs may also compromise critical abilities, specifically reaction time, making it difficult to be agile when necessary.
- Accelerating At High Speed
Fast driving along straight and clear lanes can be thrilling and tempting, but everything can turn into chaos with just one wrong turn. Sadly, accelerating at high speed is another major cause of motorcycle accidents. It’s so common that almost one-third of riders involved in catastrophic and life-threatening accidents are accelerating at extremely high speeds.
Speed-related accidents occur for different reasons, such as poor road features, extreme weather conditions, inability to respond immediately, or poor driving skills. Fortunately, such cases can be easily prevented. All you need to do is keep an eye on your speed level and ensure that you won’t go beyond the suggested speed on particular roads and highways.
Unfortunately, despite how easy it is to prevent, such accidents continue to happen, especially when you’re in a group of riders. This is called the bungee effect, and to avoid it, make sure to follow safe group riding protocols and try to maintain a normal speed level.
- Road Hazards
Road hazards are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents that are often overlooked by most riders. Car drivers may not keep their heads up on these irregularities but motorcycle riders should, considering that their vehicles are less stable on the road. This factor is what makes them vulnerable even to the tiniest element.
Here are some roadway conditions where you have to keep your mind focused and eyes open:
- Roads and intersections with poor lighting conditions
- Curves and road merging that are not properly marked
- Unknown driveways
- Road defects, such as grooved, uneven, etc.
- Fallen tree leaves and grass debris on the road
- Sand, stones, and gravel on the road
- Railroad tracks
- Bridge connectors
- Presence of natural road obstructions, such as rich vegetation and low-hanging trees
To prevent yourself from becoming a victim of these conditions, you might want to consider the basic technique called SEE. It stands for search, evaluate, and execute, and it will help you assess the road for a safer motorcycle trip.
- Lack Of Experience
Ideally, everyone should have proper knowledge before driving any vehicle. However, it seems that there are a significant number of riders involved in motorcycle accidents without a license.
If you’re a new rider, you might want to consider spending your early trips driving on less difficult roads. On top of that, have a one-on-one coaching session by enrolling in a motorcycle driving school before hitting the road. In this way, you’ll learn and be reminded of the essential and life-saving practices every rider has to know.
Another cause of motorcycle accidents related to inexperience is lack of attention. This is common for riders who try to multitask while using a motorcycle on the road. Other unnecessary actions, such as using a smartphone, may divert your focus, increasing your chances of getting into accidents.
So, it’s best to turn off your phone and stop listening to music that may only distract you from driving safely.
- Left-Hand Turns
Car and motorcycle accidents due to left-hand turns are common and fatal. In previous years, it was found that most collisions between cars and motorcycles are because cars were turning left in the event of an accident.
Here are the reasons why cars keep on turning left despite some motorcycles coming in their way:
- Drivers are distracted mentally or due to other devices, such as phones
- Visibility conditions because it’s often difficult for car drivers to see a motorcycle
- Speeding, which could be the car or the motorcycle
In most cases, cars that cause accidents to motorcycles due to left-hand turns are most likely to be deemed at fault. This is because of the right-of-way violations. However, there are instances when the motorcycle rider may share the responsibility. Such situations include speeding, accelerating during the red light, and driving in an inappropriate lane.
Furthermore, you can try to keep a distance from cars and try to assess the movement of their cars’ tires. You may also turn on your signals to properly evaluate where the car could be heading.
Final Words
Motorcycles are inherently dangerous due to their lack of stability and protection. That’s why motorcycle accidents are usually fatal, life-changing, and life-threatening. So, there’s nothing more important than preventing such misfortunes.
Motorcycle accidents happen because of many reasons, such as substance intoxication, speeding, inexperience and inattentiveness, road hazards, and cars turning left. Since accidents happen in the most unexpected ways, it’s best to always equip yourself with an added layer of protection, such as using helmets and other essential gear.
Furthermore, always be sober when driving, educate yourself and be attentive, be wary of road conditions, and be mindful of cars that may turn left. By doing so, the chances of getting into a motorcycle accident may be lessened.
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