The 12 dangers motorcyclists can run on the road
Riding a motorcycle can be fun, but it’s an activity that comes with risks included. And one wonders if motorcycles are worth the risk. The leading cause of motorcycle accidents is inexperience when driving on the road.
Here are the 12 dangers of motorcyclists on the road:
- Traffic
The main danger for motorized drivers is distracted car drivers. Coming traffic not only involves oncoming traffic from ahead, but also includes traffic behind. Oncoming traffic can cause serious motorcycle accidents that in many cases leave the rider seriously injured and can cause a lot of damage to the motorcycle.
- vehicles that are waiting to turn around
An intersection is one of the most dangerous areas for motorcyclists. The main cause of this is drivers who make turns without obeying traffic rules. Every year, many motorcyclists are hit at intersections by careless drivers. In other cases, drivers lose control of their cars. But the leading cause of motorcycle-related accidents at intersections are caused by distracted drivers using their cell phones or getting distracted by talking to another passenger and not paying attention to the road.
- Panic stops
This occurs when a driver decides to brake suddenly and makes an abrupt stop. There are times when a driver is forced to make an abrupt stop, for example when a car ahead brakes emergency or when there is a traffic signal indicating to stop. 70 percent of the brake power is located in the front brakes and pressing these brakes too hard locks the front wheel and can throw the driver off the bike.
This problem can be mitigated by purchasing anti-lock brakes. If he does not have them, the rider must learn to handle the bike when hard braking occurs.
- Gravel
When a motorcycle is going to cross a corner at a high speed and there are obstacles like gravel, it can cause the motorcycle to skate.
- Speeding in corners
Most motorcyclists generate adrenaline when riding their motorcycle, but crossing a corner at high speed increases the chances of losing control and getting into an accident. Especially if you are an inexperienced driver.
- Car doors
This is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents in urban areas. Of course it rarely happens when you are driving on the road since no one parks there and opens the car doors at a narrow distance. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to vehicles.
If the motorcyclist knocks on a door while driving at high speed the accident can be fatal.
In California, there have been reported cases of car drivers opening their doors intentionally because they don’t like the idea of lane sharing.
- Cars changing lanes
This is a very important cause of motorcycle accidents. Even with the most advanced technology, such as blind spot monitoring systems, some drivers continue to change lanes even without making sure if someone else is in the lane. Motorcycle drivers are the ones who are most harmed every time an accident of this type occurs.
On roads such accidents have fatal consequences.
- Drivers behind the motorcyclist
Drivers behind the motorcyclist are often cause for concern, especially at intersections. If the rider does not pay attention when braking when the traffic light changes to red, he can brake sharply and end up impacting the back of a motorcycle. The same applies during slow traffic. Unlike cars that feature seat belts, motorcyclists are not protected and even a rear-end collision with a slow-moving motorcycle can cause injuries.
- Bad weather
Riding a motorcycle while raining or snowing is quite dangerous for the rider as visibility is poor during these conditions and the road surface becomes smoother.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the chances of causing an accident. It is also dangerous because the motorcyclist cannot ride the motorcycle with the 100 percent sense of direction. Alcohol and drugs reduce your reaction time and you may not be able to deviate in time or brake in time and this can lead to a serious accident. Staying sober while driving reduces your chances of crashing.
- Uneven surfaces
Motorcyclists, unlike motorists, have to be more wary of uneven surfaces such as potholes, as they can cause disaster and even cause the motorcyclist to lose control.
- Fauna
There are times when wildlife decides to cross the road, animals such as a rabbit or a kamikaze squirrel. A motorcyclist who crashes into wildlife may end up in the hospital. Motorcyclists can be thrown off the bike. If there are large animals such as a moose or deer, it can even cause death. All motorcyclists are advised to exercise caution.
Motorcycle accident statistics, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, indicate that 4,976 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2015. The motorcyclist fatality rate increased in 2015 by 8.3%. Another 88,000 motorcyclists were injured.
Is a motorcycle more dangerous than a car, how much?
A motorcyclist is 27 times more likely to die in an accident compared to the occupant of a car per mile of vehicle, while motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured.
The division of “SplittingLane” is illegal in the United States, except in a single state. California is the only state that allows motorcyclists to move between lanes or lines of traffic. The state legalized lane splitting with the intention of reducing traffic jams and reducing congestion. Under California law, it is illegal to prevent or block one. In the past there have been reported cases of motorists intentionally opening their doors when motorcyclists were driving in the middle of the lane.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur?
Intersections.
- 37 percent of all motorcycle accident fatalities occur during a curve.
- Most motorcycle collisions occur during the day.
- More than half of all collisions happen to drivers who have less than six months of experience.
- Most collisions occur when drivers are going at speeds of 30 mph or less.
Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Motorcycle accidents are inevitable, in many cases and can easily lead to death. This is because motorcycle safety is limited unlike vehicles whose safety is top-notch. Motorcycles do not have seat belts or airbags, therefore, the impact of the accident is greater. If a motorcycle is involved in an accident when driving at high speed, in many cases passengers die.
Injuries sustained from motorcycle accidents can be fatal.
Here are some of the injuries one can sustain when involved in a motorcycle accident:
- Lesiones en la cabeza
- Lesiones de la médula espinal
- Latigazo cervical
- Lesiones en el cuello
- Huesos rotos
- Daño en los órganos internos.
- Lesiones cerebrales
- Hemorragia interna
- Quemaduras
- Erupción cutánea
- cortadas y hematomas
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Be sure to follow these safety tips while riding:
- When you buy a motorcycle that is easy for you to ride.
- Always remember to wear safety equipment such as a helmet, gloves, boots, leather pants, and a leather jacket. These safety equipment are the difference between life and death, especially helmets.
- Make sure you get anti-lock brakes.
- Improve your driving skills.
- Never drive any type of vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- When riding, be defensive. This means being extra alert to the vehicles around you and keeping a safe distance.
- Avoid riding a motorcycle in bad weather such as heavy rain or snowfall.
Contact a Professional Motorcycle Accident Attorney Within Orange County
The data presented on this page clears any doubt that an accident involving a motorcycle can leave its driver with serious injuries and injuries, not taking into account the thousands of dollars in hospitalization expenses. If you require any help to reach a fair settlement with adjusters and insurance companies, turn to the trusted attorneys at Avrek Law Firm. Our personal injury attorneys have years of experience representing motorcycle accident victims.