Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

It’s easy to understand why motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of serious injury and fatality than any other motor vehicle driver. Motor bike drivers are left exposed, and the mechanics of motorcycles are create a grave danger to the passenger. Alarmingly, motorcycle death and injuries over the past few years has been on the rise. This trend is due to the fact that not only has bike riding increased, but also that there are considerably larger amount of inexperienced riders on the road. In fact, roughly 90% of accidents involving motorcycles are either self-taught, or learned from a non-professional.

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

In order to prevent motorcycle accidents, it is often best to know what causes them in the first place. Things to look out for when riding a bike are: Motorcycle-Car Accidents: Although most car drivers believe that motorcycle accidents are caused by aggressive motorcycle drivers, the fact is that the opposite is true. Motorcycle drivers are hard to see, and they often drive in the blind spot of many vehicles Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions between automobiles often result in minor damages. However, when a motorcycle is involved, even the slightest rear-end collision can cause the rider to fly off his bike. Driver Error: We’ve all done it while driving. Sometimes we are not paying attention, or our mind doses off. Sometimes we are just being careless. For motorcycle riders, these mistakes are amplified. Bikes are prone to skidding, sliding, or toppling. Serious injuries can result in faulty road conditions, such as potholes, or railroad crossing, or uneven pavement. Open Door Collisions: Motorcycle drivers are at danger when driving in close proximity to parked vehicles. When opening a door, passengers rarely look for oncoming riders, and can open a door directly in a bike riders path. Speeding: Motorcycle speeding is extremely dangerous. Riders should always follow the speed limit Riding Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: This one goes without saying. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are NO EXCEPTIONS.

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

1. Get trained professionally.
2. Always use the proper gear. This includes helmets, protective jacket, sturdy shoes (over the ankle boots are recommended), gloves and sun shades. It is also smart to wear bright clothing, as you are more visible to other drivers.
3. Always be in the correct lane. Proper lane position ensures that you are more visible to other drivers, and outside their blind spots. Never share a lane with another vehicle and position your bike where it can be seen by other drivers. Also, do not drive next to parked cars.
4. Properly maintain your bike. This includes

• Checking the controls
• Checking the cables and breaks
• Make the oil and fuel of the bike is at optimal levels
• Upkeep and keeping regularly scheduled maintenance.

DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL OR TAKE DRUGS