There are well over 200 million motorcyclists worldwide for a reason: motorcycles are fun and extremely convenient on traffic-heavy roads. Unfortunately, accidents involving motorcycles are also widespread, though contemporary bikes with enhanced handling, high-grip tires, and powerful brakes are a lot less accident-prone than their predecessors. Regardless of the kind of bike you ride, the causes of motorcycle accidents are almost always the same. Below, we are going to list eight common ones and how to avoid them.
1. Rear-end collisions
The high prevalence of rear-end collisions with motorcycles on the receiving end is proof that bike riders are not always to blame for crashes. There is not much you can do to prevent rear-end collisions, but a trick that has always worked is to avoid sudden braking and ensure you maintain a steady pace.
You can also use lane-splitting, especially at intersections, so larger vehicles can act as a cushion. If you are injured in a rear-end collision or any other that is no fault of your own, make sure to check with a personal injury lawyer for assistance with damage recovery.
2. Left turning cars
Believe it or not, left-turning vehicles are responsible for about half of all collisions involving cars and motorcycles. Drivers often find it difficult to estimate a motorbike’s speed at an intersection and end up making dangerous turns. Sometimes, the car driver isn’t aware of the bike to their left when turning.
Speeding is one of the major causes of motorcycle accidents, and you can avoid being hit at an intersection by always slowing down at intersections, whether or not the driver in front of you indicates that they are turning. Additionally, avoid staying in truck blind spots for too long.
3. Potholes and gravel
Hitting a pothole or gravel can happen when a rider takes a blind corner. It is a pretty common accident type that you can avoid by riding at speeds that allow you time to react when you spot a porthole. Also, remember to always go slow in and come fast out. When maneuvering a corner, approach it slowly to get a clear vision of the road ahead.
4. Intoxication-induced accidents
Studies show that driving a car under the influence doesn’t hold a candle to riding a motorcycle drunk. As a motorcycle rider, you are the bike’s balance, and a fall is almost guaranteed if you make impaired judgments on the road. We would tell you to ride more carefully if intoxicated, but that’s a criminal offense in itself. The simple solution is to not get on a motorbike while drunk.
5. Lane switching accidents
Motorcycles fit easily into vehicle blind spots, and even the most careful driver can switch lanes without knowing there is a motorcycle in the space they are trying to occupy. Large trucks are particularly dangerous as they have huge blind spots that can engulf entire vehicles. Always avoid taking longer than is necessary on the side of a truck. If you have to, ensure you see the mirrors because that’s only when the driver can see you, too.
6. Lane splitting
Lane splitting is when you ride your bike between lanes or rows of slow-moving or stopped traffic. Here’s why you are likely to get into an accident when lane splitting:
- You are very close to vehicles
- You have a small space to maneuver with your motorcycle
- Cars don’t lane split, and car drivers don’t anticipate that motorcyclists will be passing them in a slowing moving or stopped traffic
7. Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are probably the most dreaded accidents for motorcycle riders and car drivers. For riders, these accidents are mostly fatal. This is because vehicles have size and weight advantages and better security features to protect drivers. Most head-on collisions happen in single-lane streets, highway ramps, and rural roads. Here are a few tips on how you can avoid motorcycle head-on collision:
- Reduce speed
- Drive to the right
- Read the road ahead
- Drive off the road
8. Corner-turning accidents
Corners can be extremely dangerous spots for motorcyclists, especially if they are speeding. It is very challenging to maintain the correct balance when turning a sharp corner, especially if you encounter gravel, water, sand, or any other obstacles. Once the front tire loses traction it is easy to fall off your bike or sway off the road. You can avoid corner-turning crashes by:
- Slowing down when approaching a sharp bend
- Entering the corner wide
- Avoiding sudden braking
- Paying attention to road signs
- Looking ahead for road hazards such as sudden drop-offs and potholes
While other types of motorcycle accidents are mostly due to the actions of other road users, the ability to avoid corner-turning crashes is completely within your control.
Endnote
There is no way to prevent motorcycle accidents completely. However, with a little care, you can reduce your risk of being a victim. Use the above tips to increase your understanding of common causes of accidents and steer clear of injuries.