Riding a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating and fun ways to get around. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous activities. That being said, knowing some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you avoid them altogether. Here are six popular reasons why motorcyclists crash. Take a look.
Poor Vision
When you’re riding a motorcycle, your vision is vital. You need to see everything in front of you so that you can avoid it and keep yourself safe – but if there’s too much going on around you and it’s hard to see, your chances of getting into an accident increase drastically.
Here are some tips for staying alert on the road:
- Wear a helmet with a visor that shields your face from the sun, rain, or snow (and also keeps debris out of your eyes).
- Wear bright clothing so that other drivers can easily see where you are. If possible, use the reflective gear as well; this helps them notice when vehicles are around them, even when visibility is low (for example, at night). This will ensure they give themselves enough room between their vehicles and yours when necessary. It’ll also reinforce how important it is not only for them but also for everyone else who shares the road with us!
Distracted Driving
When you’re on a motorcycle, you don’t have the luxury of being able to take your eyes off the road for even a second – and that’s why distracted driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
So, what counts as distracted driving? Anything that takes your hands off the handlebars, your eyes off the road, or your mind off of riding. This means no texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the music, and no eating or drinking while riding. If you need to do anything, pull over in a safe spot first to focus entirely on the task at hand.
Speeding
When you’re going too fast, you don’t have enough time to react to what’s happening around you, which can easily lead to an accident.
Be aware of the posted speed limit and stick to it to avoid speeding. Also, keep an eye on your speedometer so that you can make sure you’re not going over the limit. Furthermore, give yourself extra time to get to your destination so that you don’t feel like you have to rush.
Swerving In and Out of Lanes
Lane splitting, which is when a motorcycle rides in between two vehicles, is dangerous because it gives you less time to react if something happens. Stay in your lane and avoid weaving in and out of traffic. If you need to change lanes, do so safely and only when it’s necessary. Use your turn signals to let other drivers know what you’re doing so they can be prepared.
Riding Under the Influence
Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never a good idea – no matter how experienced a rider you are. Not only does it impair your judgment, but it also slows down your reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid an accident.
If you’re going to drink, don’t ride. The same goes for if you’ve taken any prescription or over-the-counter medications that could make you drowsy. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to ride, err on the side of caution and take a taxi or call a friend for a ride.
Poor Road Conditions
Look out for potholes or cracks in the road surface and debris that could cause traction issues for your tires. If leaves are on the road, try not to accelerate too quickly when you hit them – this will help prevent skidding out of control.
The Bottomline
Motorcycle riding is always a pleasant experience. But to stay safe on the road, you need to know what causes accidents. With this information in mind, we hope we’ve given you some food for thought about how to prevent these motorcycle mishaps from happening if possible. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask us in the comments!
