Common Motorcycle Accidents Frequently Encountered On the Road

Follow these tips to avoid common motorcycle accidents.

Riding a motorcycle is fun and but dangerous at times. Every motorcyclist should know even just a few basic safety measures. Protective gears, including helmets, are highly recommended to stay safe.

Sudden Car Turns

This type of motorcycle accidents are the most common and dangerous to the riders. The turning car hits the motorcycle under the following circumstances: when the motorcycle is about to go straight through an intersection, while the motorcycle is passing the car or when the motorcycle is trying to overtake the car.

In order to prevent this accident, you have to predict the next move of the other drivers.  You have to pay attention to indicators that somebody may be waiting to turn in front of you.

See our related article Motorcycle Accidents and Brain Injuries: What to Expect, How to Avoid

A Car Comes into Your Lane

This accident happens when a car right next to a motorcycle starts to merge with the same lane. The common reasons behind this type of accidents include lack of attention or when the motorcycle blocked the blind spot of the car in a four-lane road.

When you are riding a motorcycle, you should be able to view the car's mirrors, and especially, the driver's face; this indicates that they can see you. Otherwise you're in a blind spot where the car driver cannot see you; you have to slow down or speed up or to get out of the spot.

As you cannot notice whether you are in a blind spot or if the other vehicle driver notices you, you have to be more proactive. You should observe that a car or vehicle is changing lanes by these signs: by turning signals, wheels beginning to turn, or the driver rotates his head to see vehicles in his blind spot.

Head-On Collisions

In this type of accident, the car hits the motorcycle head-on. This often results in the death of the motorcyclist. During this type of accident, the motorcycle driver will be crushed or propelled through the air and possibly into hard surface.

As per recommendation of The US National Safety Council, a motorcyclist should follow the Four Rs to prevent a head-on collision by reading the road ahead, driving to the right, reducing speed, and riding off the road.

See our related article Motorcycle Accidents and Medical Issues: What to Expect

Motorcycle Lane Splitting

Lane splitting happens while a motorcycle drives between two adjacent lanes of slow-moving or stopped vehicles at traffic congestion or in traffic light. This is also a common reason for motorcycle accidents because of the following factors:

• When there is not enough gap between the car and the motorcycle
• When there is less space for the motorcycle to turn
• When car drivers don't expect anyone to pass by them in stopped traffic
• When cars do not split lanes and drivers don't anticipate it

Lane-splitting is highly unsafe and unnecessary. In splitting lanes, make sure there are enough gaps in between stopped cars.

Riding Under the Influence

It is a fact that alcohol has a major role in motorcycle crashes. If a motorcyclist is having blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.08 percent, the chances of accidents are high.

The best way to prevent this type of accidents is to avoid drink and riding. If you are attending a party or hanging out and your consumed alcohol is over the limit, it is recommended that you leave your motorcycle and return home on a taxi.

Taking a Corner Too Fast or Slipping Out

Riding motorcycles on corners can be difficult and dangerous at times. While driving near a corner, you have to be cautious about gravel, water, patches of sand etc. If you hit any of these materials, your tire loses traction and it can wipe out easily.

To avoid this type of accidents at corners, reduce your speed to maximize your vision. Make sure that you can handle the corner and that there is no danger before you increase your speed. The best advice is to ride as fast as you can and see if you are comfortable with it. While taking a turn, slow in and fast out is the right rule to follow.

Need for Speed

High-performance motorcycles are normally lightweight and can reach a speed of up to 160 mph or even more. As per statistics, high risk drivers are below the age of 30 riding sports bikes. The death rate from motorcycle accidents is high among sports bike riders' and the ratio is two to four times more than that of normal motorcyclists. Driving at manageable speed is the best way to avoid such accidents.

The above listed accidents are common motorcycle accidents, however they can be avoided. Be proactive, observant and use protective gear. Follow traffic rules strictly and consider the above-mentioned safety tips. Happy riding!