Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but unfortunately, it also comes with risks. Unlike other vehicles, motorcycles offer less protection to the rider, which makes them more prone to accidents. Some common causes of motorcycle accidents are listed below.
Opening Car Doors
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a driver opens their car door without checking for oncoming traffic. A motorcyclist can swiftly hit a door that opens suddenly and does not have enough time to react.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving, including speeding and weaving in and out of traffic, is a significant cause of motorcycle accidents. Cars and trucks on the road are more massive than motorcycles and can cause severe damage, injuries, or fatalities.
Weather Conditions
Rain, ice, and snow can create hazardous conditions for all drivers on the road, but they are especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Slippery roads and reduced visibility caused by bad weather can cause drivers to lose control of their motorcycles.
Cell Phone Use
Distracted driving caused by the use of cell phones is an increasing concern on the road today. When drivers are on their phones, their focus is not on the road, which can lead to devastating accidents.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced riders are at a higher risk of accidents, as they are not familiar with the intricacies of driving. Novice drivers may be more likely to make mistakes and are less experienced in handling unexpected situations, which could result in causing an accident with a motorcycle.
Lane Splitting
Lane splitting refers to when a motorcycle rider passes between two lanes of traffic. Without proper care, it can lead to severe accidents.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a significant cause of accidents involving motorcycles. Impaired drivers are more likely to lose control of their vehicle and their reaction time is slowed, which makes them unable to respond effectively to other drivers on the road.
Lack of Visibility
Motorcycles are smaller and easier to miss than other vehicles on the road. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and check their blind spots before changing lanes. Motorcyclists can also increase their visibility by wearing brightly colored clothing and keeping their headlights on while driving.
How Motorcyclists can Stay Safe?
Motorcyclists can take some actions to minimize their risk of getting into an accident. The following tips can help motorcyclists stay safe on the road:
- Wear protective gear: To reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident, motorcyclists should always wear protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots.
- Keep distance: Motorcyclists should maintain enough distance from other vehicles on the road to allow for sudden stops or changes in directions.
- Be proactive: Motorcyclists should be proactive and anticipate other drivers’ movements as much as possible. They should watch for signs of distracted driving, such as swerving or erratic movements, and take action to avoid it.
- Use signals: To reduce the risk of being involved in an accident, motorcyclists should always use their signals when changing lanes or making a turn. This will alert other drivers of their intentions and help them avoid crashing into them.
- Be visible: Motorcyclists can improve their visibility on the road by wearing bright, fluorescent-colored clothing or reflective materials. They should also keep their headlights on at all times.
- Check weather: Before heading out on their motorcycle, riders should check the weather forecast and plan their route accordingly. If the weather is bad, they should postpone their ride or take extra precautions.
Towson Personal Injury Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Can Help You After a Motorcycle Accident
Getting into a motorcycle accident can be traumatic. To give you the legal support and guidance you need, speak with our Towson personal injury lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Call us today at 443-589-0150 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
