Motorcycles are associated with the word danger but also the words fun and exciting. Motorcycles offer not only the good feeling of adrenaline but the sleek and cool look when you are riding. But every rider knows there is precaution he must take while riding on the streets. As a motorcyclist, you should be practicing safe driving skills and defensive mechanisms that help you avoid traumatic accidents.
Motorcycles accidents are more prominent than car accidents as riders are more susceptible given that they are smaller and more hidden. Cars, especially big ones, may have a hard time seeing a motorcycle on the road, so it is a must that motorists wear appropriate clothing and have quality lights to make sure they are seen by other drivers. Whether you are traveling long distances or down the street, you should always wear your motorcycle gear for your protection. The motorcycle gear you must wear includes:
- Helmet
- Eye Protection
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Pants
- Boots
It can be very dangerous to get in a motorcycle accident and can lead to fatal injuries. You must know the common causes of motorcycle accidents to be able to prepare yourself and be alert. Here are some of the accidents you will hear about when it comes to motorcycle dangers on the road.
Left Turning Cars
Left turning cars are the most common cause of motorcycle accidents because the person usually cannot see you. Sometimes the driver cannot determine the speed accurately and crash into a motorcyclist. Make sure you see them coming first so that you avoid getting hit. Pay attention to their car and its movement. Also, look to see if they are telling you which direction they are going (i.e. blinker or hand signal). Focus on the wheel angel too to determine when and which way a car is turning.
If you need to turn first make sure you see that they see you. Slow your speed to make sure you can tell what their next move is.
Lane Switching
Switching lanes on a motorcycle can be dangerous if you aren’t being defensive and paying attention to your surroundings. It is also dangerous when a car needs to change lanes and doesn’t see you. This can lead to a very serious motor accident and cause fatal injuries. Cars have blind spots and you should avoid them like the plague. They are death zones for you as a motorcyclist because you won’t be able to react within enough time to get out of the way. It is advised that motorcycles stay out of blind spots and pay attention to a cars turn signal. You can easily determine if a person is thinking about getting over by the way they are turning their head.
Head-On Collision
Head-on collisions are more popular among motorcycle accidents than you may think. This is usually when a car strikes a bike head-on and can be fatal for the motorcyclist.
Head-on collisions usually happen when both vehicles are driving at high speeds and result in the rider being thrown from their bike into a hard surface. The chances of surviving this type of accident are decreased as it is one of the most fatal accidents.
Rear-Ending
Getting rear-ended in a car may not seem like such a danger, but when you are riding a motorcycle you are more exposed and therefore more susceptible to injury or motorcycle damage. When a car hits a motorcycle from behind, even at low speeds of 20 mph, the motorist can get seriously injured. You should be aware of your surroundings and be able to gauge how fast a car is coming behind you.
It is beneficial to flash your brake lights often so that the car behind you knows that you are slowing down or stopping. Staying to the side of the road instead of the middle can save you time that is taken to get out of a car’s way if they are going too fast.
Riding Too Fast
High-speed motorcycle accidents are quite common as well. Many motorcycle riders find it exhilarating to ride at fast speeds, but this can be extremely dangerous and lead to fatal injuries. Not only is it easier to lose control when you are going at fast speeds but also makes you more susceptible to collisions.
You should always operate your motorcycle at safe speeds, especially when you are on the road with other vehicles. The speed limit is there for a reason and you should abide by it for your safety and others’ as well. You can enjoy the capabilities of your motorcycle but try to think about the possible accidents that may happen. If you want you can find interesting curvy roads for a thrill or search for speed parks special for the riders that want to ride at high-speeds in a safe environment.
Open Car Doors
You have to be well aware when riding a motorcycle because others are not thinking about you. Motorcycles colliding with open car doors can lead to serious injury. It can be a very unlucky moment for you if you run into an open door. Majority of the time this is caused by a driver who didn’t look in their mirrors before opening their doors. Perhaps they just didn’t see you at all.
Try to keep enough space between you and the vehicles parked on the side of the road. If you notice that someone may be exiting their vehicle, slow your speeds to be safe. You want to be ready to take defense by having your fingers on the brake and ready to honk your horn if you need to.
