Around 5,000 people die in motorcycle accidents every year in the U.S. These numbers are enough to indicate that riding a motorcycle is far from the safest mode of transport. While it is understandable that riding could be your passion, you need to make sure that you are doing it safely. In order to protect yourself on the road, you must be aware of the types of accidents that are common among motorcyclists. Let’s have a look at a few of the main reasons behind motorcycle accidents in the United States:
1. Rear-End Collisions
The most common type of motorcycle accidents is rear-end accidents. In fact, more than 80% of motorcycle crashes fall under this category. Rear-end collisions happen mostly when a rider is distracted or is racing past traffic to catch the signal. This type of accident is very dangerous, and if you are going at high speed, it can cause you serious injuries as well. Not only would you get hurt physically, but you will get hurt financially, trying to pay all those medical bills. Rear-end collisions can happen due to the negligence of another driver as well. You can hire a personal injury law firm in San Francisco to help you make a personal injury claim for your losses.
2. Speeding
Speeding on your motorcycle is another common cause of motorcycle accidents in the U.S. A lot of riders who passionately roam around the city on their bikes push themselves over the speed limit from time to time. While it will give you an adrenaline rush and will make you excited for a few seconds, it is completely illegal. And not just that, you do not have safety belts and airbags on your motorcycle, and if you fall off, you can sustain some severe injuries or worse.
3. Left-Hand Turns
Cars turning left have caused a significant amount of motorcycle crashes over the years. These crashes usually happen when a car does not switch on its indicators while taking a left turn and passes in front of the motorcycle quickly. It can also happen when a motorcyclist is trying to take over a car, and the car suddenly turns. This type of accident is also common between two cars, but when a motorcyclist gets involved, he or she is likely to suffer more injuries.
4. Changing Lanes
In a lot of states, a motorcyclist is allowed to split lanes as it can help them avoid high traffic. While it may save you a lot of time, it puts your life at risk as well. When you are splitting lanes going in between fast vehicles, you are taking high risks. The proximity between your motorcycle and the car you are going around decreases, and if an error is made, both the car driver and rider will not have enough time to react and will collide badly. So it is recommended whenever you are splitting lanes, make sure you are not getting too close to other vehicles.
Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in an accident, than those riding in passenger vehicles. In addition, more than 80% of accidents involving a motorcycle result in the motorcycle driver being injured or killed. Being aware of these, and other dangers, can only help you more safely operate a motorcycle. Recognizing the dangers motorcyclists face on the roads can also help drivers of other vehicles prevent accidents.
