Most people know riding motorcycles is a dangerous proposition. Every 72 or so bikes out of 100,000 were involved in a fatal crash in 2006, while only 13 or so cars out of 100,000 experienced the same fate. If motorcycles were the only vehicles on the road, their potential for crashes would go down significantly. According to the Hurt Report published in 1981, 75% of accidents that year were found to involve a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle. Here are a few ways to keep yourself safe on the road if you drive a motorcycle.
Tip #1: Assume No Car Can See You
Many times passenger vehicle drivers and commercial truck drivers may not be able to see where you are. Even if a bike is incredibly loud, it can be difficult to determine which side the bike is on when you’re in a car or truck. The best way to keep yourself safe is to assume no other driver can see you and drive cautiously from that standpoint. Avoid blind spots whenever possible, expect a car backing up won’t see you in time to stop, and give plenty of space to merging cars.
Tip #2: Watch Out for Obstructions in the Road
Unlike with cars, if you hit an uneven obstacle in the road, you will feel it. For example, if a car hits a pothole, the vehicle can easily recover balance because of the even distribution of weight. However, a motorcycle is often precariously balanced, and any disturbance of this balance can cause it to lose control. While you’re on the road, watch out for rocks, gravel, potholes, puddles of water, oil, and large branches.
Tip #3: Avoid Speeding
The faster you go, the less control you have over your bike. Going the speed limit could save your life, particularly if you need to respond quickly to an obstacle in the road or a suddenly braking car. For example, if you speed through tight turns, you could end up skidding off the road. You may also not be able to see debris around the bend, which could also cause you to crash.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to give our Kansas City motorcycle accident attorneys a call. Presley & Presley, LLC is a client-focused firm that has experience dealing with complex cases. Our team is dedicated to helping the victims of personal injury seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get your case started by calling us at 816.931.4611 or filling out our online form today.