Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Riding a motorcycle gives you freedom like nothing else. The wind on your face, the open road ahead, and that special feeling riders know so well. But with this freedom comes real danger. Every time you throw your leg over that bike, you need to know what could go wrong and how to stop it.
Thousands of riders get hurt each year. Most of these crashes could have been avoided. When you know the common causes, you can ride smarter and safer. Let’s talk about what puts riders in danger and what you can do about it.
Left-Turn Collisions at Intersections
Left-hand traffic also leads to numerous motorcycle accidents. Drivers are looking, but not seeing. They have miscalculated your speed or simply fail to see motorcycles. This occurs more at congested crossings.
You should slow down at any crossroads. Look at drivers whenever you have the opportunity. Wear colored clothes, or reflector clothes to make sure the drivers notice you. You will have a better grip during quick stops in case you require it when you put on proper motorcycle gloves.
Distracted Drivers on the Road
Everybody is looking at their phone these days. The drivers text, check their GPS or fiddle with the radio rather than taking a look at the road. They do not look blind spots when changing lanes. This is a disaster to motorcycles.
Stay out of car blind spots. Stand in such a way that drivers may notice. The visibility safety vest is used to ensure that you are seen by the drivers even at a distance. Never think the car that is passing you does not see you there.
Speeding and Riding Too Fast
Speed kills. Plain and simple. When you ride too fast, you get less time to react. Stopping takes longer. Curves become harder to handle. Nearly one-third of fatal motorcycle crashes involve speeding.
Stick to speed limits. Slow down in bad weather or on unfamiliar roads. Good motorcycle pants with knee protection can help in a crash, but avoiding the crash beats any protection.
Drinking and Riding
Alcohol messes with your balance, reaction time, and judgment. About half of all motorcycle accidents involve alcohol. Many fatal crashes happen because the rider had been drinking.
Never ride after drinking. Not even one beer. Get a ride home or call someone. Your life matters more than getting your bike home tonight. No excuse works when you’re in the hospital or worse.
Lack of Experience and Training
New riders crash more than experienced ones. You are at risk especially when you have less than two years of riding. Most riders do not attend the right safety courses. They acquire bad habits which remain with them.
Enroll in a motorbike riding course. Start in vacant parking lots and then move to high traffic streets. Get to know how to corner correctly and emergency braking. Good training helps in a shorter time, experience helps.
Poor Road Conditions
Every corner is waiting to run over potholes, gravel, wet leaves, and oil spills. Poor pavements will put your bike off balance quick. Construction areas pose additional risks that you never even realize until it is too late.
Look over the road before you. Watch out to see sparkled spots which may be oil. Reduce speed when in strange roads. You must not break hard when you hit on gravel or rough pavement. Good motorbike jackets save your life in case of accident.
Bad Weather Riding
Rain makes everything slippery. Fog cuts your visibility. Strong winds push you around. Cold weather makes your hands and body stiff, slowing your reactions.
Check the weather before every ride. If storms are coming, wait them out. When you must ride in rain, slow down and increase following distance. Keep motorcycle rain gear handy for unexpected weather.
Motorcycle Equipment Failures
Brakes fail. Tires blow out. Chains break. These mechanical problems cause crashes when you least expect them. Old, worn-out parts give up at the worst times.
Check your bike before every ride. Look at tires, brakes, lights, and signals. Follow your service manual schedule. Fix small problems before they become big crashes. Regular maintenance saves lives.
Not Wearing Safety Gear
Some riders skip helmets and protective clothing. They think it won’t happen to them. Then it does. Helmets cut your death risk by more than half. Protective gear prevents serious injuries.
Always wear a DOT-approved helmet. Get a good leather jacket with armor in shoulders and elbows. Wear proper riding pants, not jeans. Use quality gloves and boots every single time.
Lane Splitting Dangers
Riding between lanes of stopped traffic seems smart when cars aren’t moving. But it’s illegal in most states. Cars change lanes suddenly. Doors open. Mirrors clip you. Space gets tight fast.
Stay in your lane. Wait your turn in traffic like everyone else. The few minutes you save aren’t worth the risk. If lane splitting is legal where you ride, do it slowly and carefully.
How to Ride Safer Starting Today
Good riding means thinking ahead. Treat every car like it doesn’t see you. Always maintain some distance between yourself. Use bright equipment and be reflective. Never ride when you are tired, angry or distracted.
Maintain your motorcycle properly. Take refresher courses even if you’ve been riding for years. Ride within your skill level and your bike’s capabilities. Know your limits and respect them.
When you wear complete protective gear from Six Gear, you give yourself the best chance if something goes wrong. But prevention beats protection every time.
Sharing the Road
Drivers need to do their part too. They should check blind spots twice before changing lanes. Use turn signals every time. Give motorcycles extra space. Look carefully at intersections before turning.
Remember that motorcycles are harder to see but just as important as any vehicle. A moment of attention can save a rider’s life.
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons. Other drivers not paying attention, speeding, alcohol, bad weather, and poor maintenance all play a part. But you can control most of these risks.
Wear proper safety gear every ride. Stay alert and ride defensively. Keep your bike maintained. Take training courses to improve your skills. Follow traffic laws and use common sense.
The road can be dangerous, but it doesn’t have to be deadly. When you know the risks and take steps to avoid them, you can enjoy riding for years to come.
Ready to gear up with quality protection that won’t let you down? Visit Six Gear today and find everything you need to ride safer. From DOT-approved helmets to protective jackets, pants, gloves, and more – we’ve got real riders covered since 2004. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Shop now and ride with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What causes most motorcycle accidents?
Intersection crashes are the most common, and this is because of cars turning left. The drivers do not see the motorcycles or estimate their speed. Always be careful to slow at crossroads and be more visible.
Q: Do helmets really prevent deaths?
True, the helmets decrease the risk of death and injury by more than 67 percent. Put on a helmet that is approved by DOT. Whole face helmets give the best protection to the whole head.
Q: Should new riders take safety courses?
Absolutely. The less experienced riders, those with less than two years experience, crash more frequently. The safety classes explain the right techniques, braking in an emergency and the skills of defensive riding which save lives on a daily basis.
Q: What gear should every rider wear?
Use a DOT helmet, armored protective jacket, wearing pants, gloves, and ankle high boots.Complete gear protects you in crashes. Never ride without proper safety equipment on.
