According to the NHTSA, when another vehicle collides with a motorbike, the other (non-motorcycle) driver fails to yield to the motorcycle. Therefore, it’s essential to understand how most accidents happen to prevent becoming another statistic. To help you avoid them, we’ve listed the top ten reasons motorbike accidents occur below:
10 Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
1. Motorcycles Are Not Seen By Drivers
How often have we heard of cars turning left in front of motorcycles, disobeying their right of way, and endangering their lives? The reckless driver frequently told the authorities, “We never saw the motorcycle!” or “The motorcycle was traveling too fast!”
Bikes are substantially smaller than cars, making them harder to see and notice. But, drivers aren’t taught to scan the road for motorcycles as they scan for other drivers. Many motorists pay insufficient attention and have poor speed sense. They are frequently distracted, unable to predict motorcycle maneuvers, and occasionally have their view blocked.
2. Vehicles Turning Left At Junctions
In 2016, 41% of collisions involving a motorbike and another type of vehicle happened when the other vehicle turned left. This was while the motorbike traveled straight, passed, or overtook the other car. Intersections are likely the most dangerous situation for bikers. This kind of collision occurs between two vehicles. However, bikes are smaller, more maneuverable, and more challenging to see than cars, so they tend to be considerably more fatal for riders.
You must be extremely careful not to overtake other vehicles when approaching a crossroads, whether they are turning left in front of you or pulling out and obstructing your right of way. Ride motorcycle slowly, apply the brakes, and maintain a high level of awareness as you approach an intersection.
3. Drowsy Drivers
Motorcycle accidents frequently result from distracted driving. As they travel the road, drivers often bury their heads in their phones. They use Facetime, texting, music apps, navigation, or other activities. Other instances of driving while distracted, include grooming, reaching for objects, drinking, eating, and the list carries on.
4. Unsafe Lane Changes
Sometimes, cars suddenly change lanes. They might cause a fatal accident if they don’t signal their intended lane change or fail to notice you in their blind spot. Avoid being in the blind spots of the vehicles around you, whether that requires accelerating or decelerating.
Watch for signs that other drivers may be planning to change lanes; if they don’t use their blinkers, look for the wheels turning or the driver swiveling their heads (a clear indication that they are covering their blind spots before moving). The most critical thing is always to allow a safety margin and avoid riding in others’ blind spots.
5. Inexperience
Ensure you have completed the MSF Safety Course, passed their test, and received your motorbike endorsement before mounting. Motorcyclists should attend a motorcycle safety course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers nationwide seminars for riders of all skill levels. You shouldn’t ride a bike without a driving license, even if that seems more of a given. 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal collisions in 2016 did not have a current motorcycle license.
The MSF Safety course has a solid reputation for providing an excellent education within the classroom and outside, with practice exercises and cones in a closed parking lot. Their experienced instructors have checklists to help you ride safely. They can show you how to practice emergency swerves, engine braking (not panic braking), and other safety techniques to avoid collisions.
6. Speeding
How often do we see motorbike riders cutting through traffic at high speeds? Speeding is a central contributing element. Illegal speeding happens at all hours of the day and night and in every kind of weather. If traffic is moderate to heavy, you should slow down to give yourself a safe “cushion” to execute evasive maneuvers if a driver changes lanes improperly or suddenly stops in front of you. You should also obey speed limits and have adequate lighting at all times.
Curves are hazardous since speed is an issue; novice or inexperienced riders turn too quickly. Amateur bikers frequently attempt to keep up with their buddies, have the “ego” factor, or attempt to demonstrate their abilities to others – failing in the process.
7. Splitting Lanes
In many countries, it is against the law for a motorbike to drive between the lanes of two other vehicles. There is a high probability you will be found at fault in a crash if you are lane-splitting and involved. Cars don’t expect—and never will—any motor vehicle to travel between their and adjacent lanes. Additionally, you won’t have as much room to maneuver your bike.
We frequently observe sport bikes doing this, but doing so while riding a larger cruiser bike is significantly riskier because your bike is more extensive, you don’t have the space, and the likelihood of a collision rises.
8. Driving When Intoxicated
Any motor vehicle you operate needs you to remain alert, but riding a motorbike demands it even more. Be ethical and refrain from drinking and driving. Use one of the numerous ride-sharing apps to get home for a reasonable price if you are out with friends and drinking. You won’t look back and can easily pick up your bike the following day.
9. Poor Weather And Traffic Conditions
We are fortunate to be in a state with bright and warm weather. The only time this isn’t true is during our frequent summer downpours. Riding is made more difficult by wet, rainy, or foggy weather in a few distinct ways: Remember that during the first hour of a rainstorm, roads might become slick when trapped oils rise to the surface. Bad weather also hampered visibility for you and other cars.
Remember that “safe speed” won’t always correspond to the posted speed limit. Additionally, if it rained the day prior, be alert for gravel on the road’s surface, particularly on curves. Other poor road conditions include construction flaws, grass clippings, potholes, snakes in the tyres, and unanticipated material dropping from other vehicles or just lying on the road. Riders need to position themselves in traffic to observe the road in front of us and be aware of such hazardous conditions.
10. Using The Appropriate Equipment
Accidents can still happen even if you take all the necessary precautions to stay safe while driving. Wear a helmet and remember to wear bright colors because you can’t control other reckless drivers and forecast the future. Likewise, remember always to choose the appropriate clothing. A helmet, proper eye protection, a leather jacket, a safety vest, riding gloves, motorcycle pants, and over-the-ankle boots are all part of motorcycle safety gear. If you can’t wear a coat on hot days, wear a neon long-sleeve shirt. This will make you more visible and reduce your risk of an accident.
CONCLUSION
According to the NHTSA, approximately 80% of motorcycle accidents end in injury or death. And while motorcyclists will agree that few experiences can match the exhilarating and liberating sensation of riding a motorbike, it’s crucial to remember these statistics – and how to avoid becoming one.
Be aware of the various causes of motorbike accidents to avoid them. Wearing a helmet that fits properly, remaining sober, receiving training, investing in high-quality safety tips, remaining aware, and planning your response to probable risks are some of the most crucial things you can do.
