Riding a motorcycle offers freedom and excitement, but it also comes with real dangers. Motorcycles don’t protect you as well as cars do in an accident. A simple mistake made by another driver can kill someone. Therefore, every rider needs to know the most common risks they face on the road in order to stay safe.
Riders can avoid accidents by learning about the main causes of motorcycle accidents. Therefore, in this article, we’ll discuss the top causes of motorcycle accidents and how to protect yourself. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
The following are the top causes of motorcycle accidents.
Drivers Failing to See Motorcycles
Another driver is usually involved in motorcycle accidents, and the other driver usually says they “didn’t see” the biker. This happens a lot when cars turn left at intersections and cut in front of a motorcycle rider who is going straight. Drivers aren’t trained to look for smaller vehicles like motorcycles. They usually focus on other cars, and bikes don’t even cross their minds.
Unsafe Lane Changes
A lot of the time, drivers change lanes without looking in their blind spots or signaling. There is a good chance of a crash when a motorcycle is in that blind spot. These accidents happen fast and leave the biker with no room to escape. It can help to stay out of blind spots and watch for movement from cars nearby.
Distracted Driving
Distractions like phones, food, and in-car devices cause many car and motorcycle accidents. When a driver looks down at their phone, they might cross lanes or miss a stoplight. If a driver is distracted, even a small mistake can be very dangerous for motorcyclists. Therefore, always assume that other people aren’t paying attention.
Inexperienced Riders
New riders might not know how to handle sudden stops, curves, or roads that are wet. Inexperience can cause them to overreact or make poor decisions at crucial times. A lot of fatal motorcycle accidents involve riders who don’t have the proper license.
Speeding
A lot of motorcycle fatalities are caused by speed. It makes it more likely that you will lose control and slow down your reactions. Also, fast riders might miss road hazards or misjudge a curve. Riders who go too fast are more likely to get hurt badly or even die.
How to Protect Yourself
To keep yourself safe, do these things:
Put on the Right Gear
Wearing a helmet can keep you alive. Protective gear makes injuries less bad if you hit. Always wear a helmet, gloves, a jacket, long pants, and boots that are approved by the DOT. People can also see you better if you wear bright colors or reflective vests.
Take a Safety Course
Courses teach you how to handle your bike in real-world situations. They teach you how to stop, turn, and avoid dangers. Even riders with a lot of experience can pick up new skills. If more riders took these classes, a lot of accidents would not happen.
Ride Defensively
Assume that drivers can’t see you at all times. Keep your distance from other cars and stay out of their blind spots. You should use your signals early and look in your mirrors a lot. Be extra careful at intersections and keep an eye out for cars that are going left.
