Riding a motorcycle is fun and exhilarating as it is dangerous. Compared to cars, motorcycles are smaller and less visible in traffic to other vehicles. However, they are much faster and agile, and sometimes those characteristics can help riders prevent a motorcycle accident.
Powerful brakes and excellent handling that come with every motorcycle mean nothing if you don’t know how to use those tools. Read on to learn how to avoid these 4 types of motorcycle accidents.
1. Entering a Corner Too Fast
It is not unusual for motorcycle riders to find themselves in this situation. Especially if the weather condition and the road are perfect for enjoying a slightly faster ride. However, if you do find yourself in this situation, the most important thing is staying calm. Panicking or breaking suddenly may cause your bike to lose traction and, therefore, stability.
What you need to do is just ride it out. Follow your bike in this instance- lean as much as you can and be gentle on the controls. Let the motorcycle do everything, even if your knee touches down (or anything else)
Still, the best prevention of this kind of motorcycle accident is to lower the speed. If you are on an unfamiliar road, look for the telephone poles or signs to try and judge the direction of the road.
2. Another Vehicle Cuts You Off in a Lane
This is probably one of the most common motorcycle accidents because many drivers simply fail to spot motorcycle riders in their rear-view mirror. Motorcycles are very small to all other drivers, and they are so easy to fit into a blind spot. Furthermore, other drivers are used to looking for other cars or trucks in the mirror, so they tend to overlook motorcycles.
You, as a rider, have to have a hawk’s eye in to avoid this situation. First, look for the signs in the traffic that can make another vehicle want to switch lanes. Is one lane moving faster than the other? Are lanes merging into one because of road constructions? Chances are, other cars will want to switch lanes.
Make sure to stay in the blind spot as little time as you can. But even if you can see the driver’s eyes in their mirrors, it doesn’t mean they are paying attention too. Watch out for turn signals, but in the absence of one, make sure the driver is not exhibiting the behaviour of one who wants to switch lanes.
3. Hit from Behind by a Car
In traffic, this is most commonly known as a fender-bender, and it is considered a minor collision except when the car hits a motorcycle that stopped at the stop sign or a crosswalk. In that case, a ”simple” fender-bender can kill a motorcyclist when a car slams into them at high speed.
This scenario can also be prevented with a few tricks up your sleeve. For starters, don’t be first at a stoplight if you don’t have to. If there is a car in the lane next to you, wave to the driver politely and ask them to move in front of them. This way, you are safe from any impact.
If there is no one at a stoplight but you, with cars coming from behind, stop to the side of the lane instead of in the middle. Flash your brake light, keep the bike in gear and be ready to shoot at any time if you notice you are about to be hit. Pay close attention at night, when the visibility is low and during a period where all the bars are closing in your area.
4. Another Vehicle Turned in Front of You at an Intersection
Now we may argue why this type of motorcycle accident happens so often, but the truth is that other vehicle drivers are simply not expecting a motorcycle. They look both ways see there are no other cars, and the absence of a car stands out more in their brain than the presence of a motorcycle.
As a motorcycle rider, you must hone your instincts to expect this to happen at every intersection. This sixth sense will allow you predict if someone is about to turn in front of you, no matter where you are in traffic. Whatever the situation, always be prepared to take evasive action as it can save your life.
Never ”lay the bike down” because your best chances come from lowering as much speed as you can and keeping your motorcycle upright. That way, if a vehicle behind you doesn’t respond in time, you can avoid and prevent not one but several more accidents by simply riding off.
Motorcycle riders are much more prone to injuries when an accident occurs. They are also more likely to be killed in an accident, even if they have every possible piece of protective gear on. Furthermore, motorcycle accident claims are complicated because most judges and insurances see riders as reckless.
Because of this, a motorcycle accident attorney has to work twice as hard to prove that their clients are not responsible for their accidents. Simple maneuvering and being prepared at every intersection can save your life, your time, and money, but also your peace of mind.
