The Common Risk Factors That Lead to Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are common all over the globe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 3 million people were injured in motorcycle accidents between 1999 and 2009. This is likely because motorcycles tend to be fast-moving vehicles with low visibility. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, hire a motorcycle accident lawyer, as they can fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
There are many risk factors associated with motorcycle accidents that can increase your chances of being involved in one or even causing one yourself:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of motorcycle accidents. It includes:
- Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving;
- Using GPS devices while you ride your motorcycle;
- Eating or drinking while you ride your motorcycle;
- Adjusting the radio or CD player on your dash as you drive down the road;
- Reading maps to locate gas stations and rest areas along your route.
Unsafe Roadways
The most important thing you can do to prevent an accident is to be aware of your surroundings. This includes roadways and the vehicles traveling on them. If a roadway isn’t designed well, then it’s going to be more likely that there will be an accident due to poor design or lack of maintenance. For example:
- Roads with poor visibility
- Poor lighting conditions
- Unsafe signage
Suppose another driver or motorcycle rider caused your accident. In that case, an accident lawyer will help you file an insurance claim against that person’s policy so that they pay for all of your medical bills and lost wages.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Changing lanes is one of the most dangerous maneuvers on a motorcycle. It’s also one of the most common because changing lanes is something we do every day—and it can be done safely if you practice at home or in your garage.
The key to safe lane changes is knowing when and where it’s appropriate to change lanes. For example: If other cars are around you and traffic is moving slowly, change directions by moving into another lane or slowing down so that others can pass by without infringing on your space (if they’re not driving too closely).
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and can lead to serious injuries and death. If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI), you will face severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and other fees. In addition, if your license is revoked or suspended due to DWI charges, it will be difficult for you to obtain another driver’s license in most states.
If this happens to you or someone close to you due to an accident caused by drinking and driving:
- You may have lost life savings for college tuition or medical bills
- Your family may have suffered financial losses because they have lost their jobs due to being unable to work because of injuries sustained during the crash
Conclusion
In conclusion, motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death. As you can see from this article, some common risk factors contribute to these incidents. To prevent them from happening, we need to take action by considering our riding skills and the safety gear we use on our bikes.