Common Motorcycle Accident Culprits

Aug 15, 2022

Motorcycles are fun and a great way to get around. They also offer a sense of freedom that's hard to come by with other modes of transportation. But if you are not careful, motorcycles can be deadly — reports show that approximately 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death or severe injury. The first step to avoid motorcycle accidents is to understand the potential causes.

Speeding

Most motorists prefer motorcycles to cars mainly because of the speed advantage motorcycles have. Unfortunately, when misused, this advantage puts the rider and other road users at serious risk.
The reason is that when you speed, you can't react quickly enough to avoid an obstacle, no matter how good a rider you are. And since motorcycles are less stable than cars, the accident rate may be higher.

Drunkenness

Riders under the influence of alcohol or drugs endanger themselves and other road users. Drugs and alcohol impair the riders' judgment, slow their reflexes, and compromise the motorist's motor skills. As a result, the riders cannot control their motorcycles as well as they would be able to if they were sober.
Furthermore, drunkenness increases the chances of accidents at night. The darkness makes it difficult for riders to see obstacles on the road, making them more likely to ride into them.

Distractions

Riders who are distracted by their phones or other things are more likely to crash. The reason is that the riders are not paying attention to the road and their surroundings, so the motorists may miss something important, like a stop sign or another vehicle.
In addition, distracted riders are more likely to veer off course and into oncoming traffic or onto the shoulder of the road.

Wrong Turns

Many motorcycle accidents happen when riders make a wrong turn because the rider is not familiar with the area and does not know where they are going. As a result, the riders take a wrong turn and end up in oncoming traffic or a dangerous situation.
For instance, riders might take a left-hand turn when they should have gone straight or turn onto a one-way street the wrong way. The secret to avoiding this mistake is always to pay attention to your surroundings and to make sure you know where you are going before you start riding.

Inadequate Experience

Unfortunately, some riders get on the road to experience the thrill and excitement of riding without fully understanding the risks. This lack of experience puts the rider and other road users at risk.
For example, inexperienced riders might not know how to brake properly or turn, which can lead to a crash. Also, the riders may not be aware of the blind spots that cars have, which can lead to them being hit by a car.
Additionally, inexperienced riders might not know how to correctly judge the speed of oncoming traffic, which can lead to them being hit by a car. Therefore, all motorists should train properly before riding. This step will help them practice safe riding habits.

Road Conditions

Bad road conditions may include potholes, debris, slippery surfaces, and uneven pavement. Riders who hit these obstacles can lose control of their motorcycles and crash.
Furthermore, bad road conditions can also cause riders to hydroplane or slide out. This risk is especially dangerous at high speeds and can lead to severe injury or death. Therefore, riders should be aware of the road conditions and be cautious when riding in them.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact Cartee & Lloyd Attorneys at Law to learn more about your legal options. We will help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.

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