While motorcycles are less safe than cars because it has less protective barriers and gears, often, what make these vehicles dangerous are the motorcyclists themselves.
While motorcycles are less safe than cars because it has less protective barriers and gears, often, what make these vehicles dangerous are the motorcyclists themselves.
In a list of causes of motorcycle crashes enumerated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most of the factors are due to rider error. Here is a rundown of the causes of motorcycle accidents:
• Lack of basic motorcycle riding skills
• Failure to appreciate inherent operating characteristics
• Failure to use safety precautions when riding
• Inability to utilize defensive driving techniques
• Lack of cornering or specific braking skills
• Failure to follow reasonable speed
Further, statistics show that half of all single vehicle motorcycle crashes involved alcohol and that 33 percent of motorcyclists killed in traffic collisions are not licensed or improperly licensed to operate a bike.
So if you want to avoid a motorcycle accident that can drain your finances or result to legal liability, if you or a loved one is an avid motorcyclist, here are important safety tips to follow:
• All motorcyclists should attend a motorcycle rider training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a bike.
• Read your motorcycle manual thoroughly to be familiar with your motorcycle’s operating characteristics and limitations.
• Wear protective clothing and safety equipment such as helmets, goggles, leather jackets, boots, and the like. Remember, as motorcycles have no other safety restraint, these can make a difference in saving your life in case of a crash.
• Follow the same traffic safety rules and regulations as other motorists such as:
- No tailgating.
- Avoid lane-splitting between slow moving or stopped traffic.
- Following traffic laws and ordinances in your community.
- Use signals when making turns or whenever appropriate.
- Treat motorists with courtesy and respect and follow the right of way.
- Do not drink and drive.
These are just some of the ways you can prevent getting involved in a motorcycle accident. However, bear in mind that sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, you can still get hurt in a crash because of another motorist’s fault or negligence. Remember that most motor vehicle accidents are due to driver error and this includes collisions between a car and a motorcycle. In such instances and especially when the liable driver refuses to admit fault, you should hire the services of a motorcycle accident lawyer.
