4 Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents

No one knows the dangers of driving a motorcycle like avid motorcyclists. If you own a motorcycle, some of your family members, friends, and even total strangers have probably warned you about the risks of driving a motorcycle at least once. Motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, are very common.

Thousands of people face mild to life-threatening injuries from these accidents; however, being aware of the common types of accidents and how to avoid them can help keep you safe on the road. Here are the common causes of motorcycle accidents that you need to be aware of.

1. Cars Turning Left

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is the cars that are turning left. Cars turning left accounts for more than half of the car accidents that involve cars and motorcycles, mainly because as the car drivers turn at an intersection, they will most likely be unable to determine your speed or even see you at all. This scenario is also common among cars turning at an intersection and other cars passing.

However, it is considered a fatal accident for motorcyclists due to the minimal amount of protection that they have. One way to help avoid this accident is by always anticipating it. Every time you approach an intersection, you must be extra alert. Always look out for cars that are waiting at intersections to turn, traffic gaps near intersections, and cars that are approaching or are near you.

If you notice any of these occurrences, your best bet is to slow down and prepare to take action. You should also always account for objects that are out of your sight, look at the wheels of the car to know whether it is planning to turn, and try to determine whether the driver can see you, as well as their speed.

2. Lane Switching

Another leading reason behind motorcycle accidents is switching lanes. Lane switching is already challenging for any driver as there are many things that you should account for while switching lanes as a driver. A motorcyclist can easily become a blindspot for any car driver who is trying to switch lanes and therefore merging into the space that the motorcyclist already occupies. When driving your motorcycle, there is always one thing you should keep in mind.

If you can’t see any vehicle’s mirror, then the driver can’t see you. If this is the case, then you should slow down or speed up so that you can get out of their blind spot. Watch out for turn signals, wheels that are beginning to turn, a driver turning their head or checking their mirror, and any other indicators that the driver may change lanes.

3. Fender Benders

Fender benders or cars rear-ending motorcyclists are also another motorcycle accident cause. Because of the serious impact of this type of accident, fender benders can be deadly for motorcycle drivers. Since the motorcycle is hit from the back, this type of accident can be hard to expect or prepare for in busy areas like Tampa, Florida. Fender benders usually occur when other divers lose focus, in which case you should find a Motorcycle accident lawyer in Tampa FL to hold the negligent driver responsible.

To avoid this type of accident, make it a habit to move to the side of your lane every time you come to a stop. You should also remember to always flash the light of your brake by tapping the brake lever. Make sure that you keep your motorcycle in gear and that your right hand is on the throttle. Always be prepared to scoot away in case a car is speeding in your direction.

4. Lane Splitting

Many motorcyclists do the lane split or drive between two traffic lanes. Lane splitting usually happens when other drivers slow down or stop and can be a good way to escape traffic. However, it is very dangerous and can result in many accidents.

Accidents can occur because motorcycles get too close to cars, the motorcyclist has very limited space in which he can maneuver his bike, cars rarely anticipate that someone may pass them when all other vehicles are slowed down, and considering that car drivers don’t split lanes, they will not expect others to do it. One way to avoid this accident is by not lane-splitting altogether. However, if you still choose to do it, you should make sure that you leave adequate space between you and other cars.

Motorcycle accidents are very common and are usually fatal due to the limited amount of protection motorcyclists have. While some of the accidents are very hard to anticipate, there are some things that you can keep in mind and watch out for to ensure your safety. Understanding the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you take immediate action to minimize their impact or avoid them altogether.