The primary cause of motorcycle accidents is inattention. In addition, 36% of fatal motorcycle accidents involve left turns. While a motorcyclist’s actions may not affect the outcome of the accident, they can make a huge difference. Other essential factors to watch include tire performance and riding in the right lane.
Inattention
Inattentive drivers cause a large percentage of motorcycle accidents. These drivers fail to notice motorcycles and make unsafe lane changes. They also may forget to look in their mirrors or turn their heads in time to avoid colliding with motorcycles. Motorcycle accidents often occur at intersections. As a result, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and drive safely. Drivers who ignore traffic signals and laws can be at fault for severe accidents. When involved in motorcycle accidents, seek legal advice from professionals like the motorcycle accident lawyers at Hassett & George, P.C.
Inattentive driving is a leading cause of car and truck accidents. Distracted drivers are more likely to crash into motorcyclists. Motorcyclists need to pay close attention to the road and avoid distractions. Distracted drivers often fail to see motorcycles merging lanes, making right turns, or coming off a ramp. The resulting crash can cause serious injuries or even death.
Tire Performance Plays a Role
Tire performance plays a critical role in bike safety and performance in motorcycling. Tires are essential for motorcycles and cars, and not all tires are created equal. They are designed for different purposes, and motorcycle tires are known for their round shapes and contoured profiles. The goal of motorcycle tires is to support weight and distribute suspension. A motorcycle accident is a common cause of death and severe injury, so keeping your tires properly maintained is essential. Changing your motorcycle’s tires regularly is a smart move. However, tires that have undergone significant wear can be dangerously unstable, and causing an accident is highly risky. You should also take your motorcycle to a professional for a thorough inspection after extreme road conditions or if you have any doubts.
Left-turn Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, left-turn accidents are the leading cause of fatal motorcycle accidents. When a motor vehicle makes a left turn, the driver fails to see the motorcycle, judges the speed improperly, or fails to yield to an adjacent bike. Regardless of the cause, the risk of a collision is high. More than half of motorcycle accidents in the United States involve left-hand turns.
While most motorcycle crashes involve drivers attempting to make a left-hand turn, left-hand turns can result in life-threatening injuries to unprotected motorcycle riders. These accidents cause motorcyclists to try to support themselves while thrown out of their bikes. As a result, these injuries often involve the torso, including the ribs, chest, and abdomen. Head injuries can be devastating and even fatal.
Riding in the Right-hand Lane
Riders should be aware of the traffic and potential hazards around them, especially when they’re hurrying to their destination. Merging cars will often come up behind you without you even noticing. Drivers’ eyes will be on the vehicle ahead of them, so motorcycles can easily get hidden in their blind spots. They should slow down and be prepared for evasive action to prevent accidents.
When driving on the right, motorcycle riders should always stay in the right-hand lane. Even if the road is in two lanes, it should remain in the right-hand lane. This will prevent a head-on collision and accidental lane changes. Riders should also reduce their speed when they see other cars swerving. Even slowing down by a few miles per hour can make all the difference in preventing a deadly collision.
Paying Attention to Other Drivers
Drivers should always keep a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles, so they have time to react if they see another car ahead. Most drivers do not glance at their mirrors before turning and are unlikely to look right before exiting a driveway. Not opening your car door when a motorcyclist passes you on the right is essential. Drivers must be aware of motorcycles and anticipate their moves to avoid collisions. This includes not drifting into the blind spot of other cars or motorcycles. This will ensure that you stay out of other drivers’ blind spots, which are prone to snatching them out of their lane. Moreover, motorcycles are easily obscured by other vehicles’ blind spots. Drivers should try to avoid riding on such roads as these are often filled with road hazards, such as potholes.
