Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycles are fast and fun, but these two-wheeled machines are also quite dangerous. As a rider, you need to be aware that accidents can happen at any time. Motorcycle riders are also prone to more serious injuries than those in passenger vehicles due to a lack of protection. Riders can get ejected and suffer serious injuries or even fatalities.

It’s crucial that motorcyclists know the causes of motorcycle crashes and how to avoid them. Here’s a look at some common causes.

Speed

As the saying goes, speed kills, and unfortunately, it’s true. Motorcyclists love the thrill of going extremely fast, but pushing the limits comes with deadly consequences. Approximately 31% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding. It doesn’t matter how much control you have over your bike — excessive speed is a danger to yourself and others.

Intoxication 

Alcohol and drug use while riding is not only unsafe but also illegal. A blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or above can lead to a driving under the influence (DUI) charge. It can also affect judgment, reasoning, balance, coordination, and memory. Despite these effects, riding while under the influence is surprisingly common. Almost 30% of motorcyclists involved in fatal motorcycle accidents had a BAC over the legal limit.

Inexperience

Many riders get on a bike on public roads with very little experience. Ideally, all riders should spend a lot of time training before they get on the road. What’s shocking is that 29% of motorcycle fatalities involve riders without a license.

To prevent this, new riders should start out on less challenging roads to sharpen their skills. They should take training and classes from local motorcycle schools to hone their skills and learn to ride defensively.

Distracted Riding

Just like distracted driving is a common issue for motorists, riders often get into accidents due to inattention as well. Studies show that the brain is actually unable to multitask. Instead, it switches between tasks without full focus. This means riders need to keep both hands on the handlebars and keep their eyes on the road. Put away smartphones and anything else that can distract you.

Road Conditions

Roadway conditions are often overlooked, as elements that might not even be noticeable in a car can be major causes for motorcycle crashes. Road conditions to look for include:

• Potholes and other pavement defects
• Poorly lit roads
• Insufficient shoulders
• Low-hanging branches or vegetation
• Railroad tracks
• Gravel and sand
• Standing or flowing water
• Oil slicks
• Leaves or grass clippings

Contact Us Today

Motorcycle accidents happen easily and can cause significant injuries. It’s important for riders to understand how to stay safe and ride defensively.

A Mt. Juliet motorcycle accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC is ready to represent your case and advocate aggressively for your maximum recovery. To schedule a consultation today, give us a call at (615) 622-6060 or fill out the online form.

Source:

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