Forewarned Is Forearmed: 5 Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

There’s nothing like an accident to bring your motorcycle ride short.

Every year, around 5000 people die in motorcycle accidents. There are various causes, but the common theme is that motorcyclists often come off worse in accidents than other drivers. As a motorcyclist, it pays to be aware of the threats on the road.

That’s why we’re taking a look at 5 common causes of motorcycle accidents.

1. Dangerous Driving

Driving under the influence or driving while distracted are still two of the leading causes of accidents worldwide. It’s a message drivers still haven’t quite got into their heads.

Motorcyclists aren’t as likely to check their texts while driving, but intoxication or tiredness stay play a key role in motorcycle accidents. Always ensure you’re alert and aware of your surroundings when you’re on your motorbike.

2. Speeding

Speeding is rarely a gamble that pays off. At its best, you may get where you’re going with a little extra time.

At worst, you’ll never get there at all.

But speeding remains a leading cause of accidents and vehicular deaths. Speeding on a motorcycle is more likely to lead to fatal motorcycle accidents thanks to the limited protection offered by a motorcycle against the eventuality.

3. Inattentive Drivers

Sometimes, there’s little you can do to avoid an accident.

The other occupants of the road are as much a danger as anything you can do. You can’t predict the actions of others, and even a moment of inattentiveness could cause an accident.

One small silver lining is that if you’ve been in an accident you weren’t responsible for, then an accident lawyer could allow you to get some legal recompense.

4. Lane Splitting

Motorcycles can use lane splitting to get where they’re going a little faster, but lane splitting in dangerous conditions is a recipe for disaster.

Lane splitting at high speed or on inappropriate roads leaves the motorcyclist vulnerable to unexpected conditions. A car stuck during a lane change or an open door could cut this short-cut short. Lane splitting in conditions such as heavy fog are is also inadvisable.

Lane splitting’s legality also varies from state to state. Even in states where the practice isn’t explicitly illegal, it may still be de facto illegal under other driving codes.

5. Dangerous Road Conditions

Motorcyclists already have a precarious relationship with physics. It may only take something small to upset that balance.

Unsafe road conditions like bad road surfaces or ice can present a severe danger to motorcycles. In these conditions, they need to pay careful attention to avoid the risk of an accident — or consider whether their journey is worthwhile enough to take the risk.

Understanding the Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Understanding the causes of motorcycle accidents can help motorcycles assess and avoid danger to both themselves and others while on the road. Motor fatalities remain a major problem in the modern world, so it’s vital that drivers learn to protect themselves.

Are you looking for legal services? You can browse our directories here.