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Being a motorcycle driver or passenger requires more risk than other types of vehicles. In fact, in 2017, 5,229 motorcyclists lost their lives to motorcycle crashes, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This fact shouldn’t come as a surprise, as motorcycles inherently have less stability than vehicles with more wheels. Motorcyclists also have less protection without the luxury of safety features like airbags on their side.
Considering all these issues, it is essential that those who ride on motorcycles take specific precautions to remain safe on the road. Even still, taking precautions will not eliminate the risk of an accident. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, a California motorcycle accident lawyer can help you.
The Top 10 Motorcycle Collision Types And What You Can Do To Avoid Them
1. Another Vehicle Turns In Front Of You
It’s not uncommon for drivers to not pay attention. They become distracted and ignore what is going on around them. Another vehicle could turn right in front of you simply because they were not paying attention and did not see you. They might also turn in front of you because they misjudged your speed.
What You Can Do
Pay attention while riding your bike so you can see other vehicles turning. It is imperative that you acquire a sixth sense for other drivers on the road when you are operating your motorcycle.
Be on guard and watch for various clues that another driver might turn in front of you. For example, if someone is sitting in an intersection or there is a gap between vehicles.
If you notice these signs, slow down and prepare to act. Evaluate whether other drivers see you, and be aware of road conditions and possible escape routes. Slowing down and steering may be safer than intentionally laying the bike down. Slowing down even just 10 MPH can help decrease the chances of a crash. If a crash still occurs despite your efforts, you can contact car accident lawyers, who also handle motorcycle accident cases in California, to find out what your rights are for compensation.
2. Another Vehicle Comes Into Your Lane
Other drivers often pull into the lane of traffic that you already occupy. This commonly happens because motorcycles are difficult to see. Motorcycles can be difficult for drivers to see in their blind spots, and many drivers often fail to check for them.
What You Can Do
Take the time to learn the location of blind spots. By knowing where they are, you can make every effort to avoid them. A general rule of thumb is that if you can see the driver’s eyes through their rearview mirror, they can see you. However, this does not mean that they are looking or paying attention.
Be mindful of patterns in traffic. When traffic slows, drivers may change lanes more frequently to find faster routes. The fastest-moving lane may see increased merging activity, which can create additional risks.
You can watch for signs that another motorist is preparing to change lanes. For example, look for turn signals, wandering vehicles, a driver checking mirrors or moving their head to look around them, and wheels turning. Being aware of what other drivers around you are doing will help you avoid collisions with people trying to move into your lane. However, if this situation does occur, a California motorcycle accident attorney can guide you through the legal process.
3. You Are Going Too Fast At A Corner
As you move into your turn, you suddenly realize that the corner is tighter than you thought. Even if you know that you aren’t going to make it, it can be too late to avoid a crash.
What You Can Do
Slow down and avoid pushing your limits while riding your bike. If you enter a corner at a higher speed than intended, maintaining your line and continuing to turn may be safer than abrupt changes. Many motorcycles are capable of handling more lean than riders expect. Shifting your body position can reduce the bike’s lean angle in a turn. Focus on where you want your bike to go and operate the controls smoothly in this situation.
4. Your Front Brake Locks Up
You are enjoying the freedom of the open road when suddenly a deer jumps in front of you. Naturally, you hit the brakes, but you end up on the pavement while your motorcycle continues down the street.
What You Can Do
Practice using your front brake more effectively to improve your ability to reduce speed quickly and safely, as it provides substantial stopping power. You can do this by finding an empty lot. Start with a specific speed and brake when you hit. Determine how long it takes you to stop. Continue this process, focusing on reducing your braking distance.
When the front brake is applied too abruptly, the front tire can lock, and the rear wheel may lift off the ground. Becoming familiar with these sensations may help you respond appropriately in real situations. If you own a motorcycle with ABS, the risk of front tire lockup may be reduced. In emergency situations, apply the brake lever smoothly and progressively to maintain control.
5. Another Vehicle Hits You From Behind
You come to a stop at a red light or stop sign, but the driver behind you does not. They hit you while going full speed, likely because they are distracted. In many cases, there won’t be any damage to the vehicle or its driver, but it can cause severe injuries to a motorcyclist.
What You Can Do
To help reduce the risk of being rear-ended, stay alert to traffic behind you and consider stopping toward the side of the lane rather than directly in the center. Tap your brakes several times to make your lights flash rapidly to gain the driver’s attention.
Leave your motorcycle in gear with your hand on the throttle. By doing this, you can get out of the way if needed before a crash happens. In situations where visibility is less than ideal, be extra alert. If you are involved in an accident of this type, a California motorcycle accident lawyer can work to identify possible avenues for compensation.
6. Lane Splitting
Riding a motorcycle between two lanes of slow-moving traffic, known as white lining or stripe riding, may increase the risk of motorcycle accidents. In these circumstances, the motorcyclist also has less room to move.
What You Can Do
You can help avoid lane-splitting accidents by not participating in this practice in the first place. If you decide to do it, only do it at slow speeds, and do not operate your bike at any more than 10 MPH faster than the cars you are passing. When traffic speeds begin to pick up again, you want to stop riding in the middle. If you see a gap in traffic and are not entirely sure you will fit in it, don’t attempt it. Avoid passing between two long vehicles that are positioned parallel to each other.
7. Group Riding
Group riding can involve risks similar to those of lane splitting, such as close proximity and limited maneuvering space. Every biker in your group needs to understand and follow stagger formation to help keep everyone safe. It can help improve visibility for everyone and allow riders to move out of line if necessary.
What You Can Do
Maintaining ample space while riding can help enhance safety and prevent accidents. Whether navigating traffic or riding with others, having more room allows for better maneuverability and may help reduce risk.
8. Slippery Roads
Dry roads are generally the preferred conditions for motorcyclists. However, given California’s weather, riders may sometimes encounter wet and cold roads, which are less favorable for riding.
What You Can Do
Using well-maintained, high-quality tires may help improve safety when riding in wet or cold conditions. Reduce your speed and remain in control of your bike. Whatever you do, do not panic. Keep your eye on the road to avoid obstacles.
Even utility hole covers can be slippery when the roads are wet. Be watchful for other fluids on the roadway, and if you see a substance reflecting rainbow-like colors, move out of the way safely, as it is probably oil. Road conditions are usually the worst during the first hour after a rainstorm, as this is when oil is floating on top of the water.
If possible, delay going anywhere on your bike to avoid riding during that hour. Take a coffee break if you need to. In bad weather, reduced visibility is also typical. Keep in mind that other vehicles also need more response time and distance to stop if visibility is poor.
9. A Car Door Opens In Front Of You
When riding along city roads with parked cars to your right, there is a risk of a dooring accident, which occurs when a driver opens their car door without checking for approaching motorcycles, potentially resulting in a collision.
What You Can Do
When possible, stay out of the lane between heavy traffic and parked cars. Ride as far away from the line of parked cars as you can to help avoid these types of accidents. It’s tempting to ride in this lane, but it places you too close to parked vehicles, and it can make it more difficult for pedestrians to see you.
If you do find yourself about to hit a car door, brake as hard as you can. The goal is to reduce your speed as much as possible. Even if you cannot entirely avoid a collision, a collision at lower speeds is better than one at higher speeds.
10. Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol
Up to 28 percent of motorcycle deaths involved bikers who were alcohol-impaired at the time of the accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There is no arguing that alcohol consumption significantly reduces motorcycle safety.
What You Can Do
Riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol increases the risk of harm to yourself, pedestrians, and others on the road. Avoiding alcohol before riding supports safer travel for everyone.
The Importance Of Motorcycle Safety Gear
Riding a motorcycle comes with many inherent risks, but you can help minimize these risks by using appropriate safety gear.
Currently, only 19 states, including New York and Washington, D.C., have enacted universal helmet laws requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates helmet use can help reduce the risk of death by 37 percent and the risk of head injury by 69 percent.
In addition to helmets, you can also protect yourself by wearing protective jackets, pants, suits, boots, gloves, and eye protection.
You can be an avid and experienced rider, but you cannot control the variables around you. Road and weather conditions, distracted drivers, and drunk drivers on the road can often increase your risk of injury. Safety gear may help lower the risk of injury in an accident. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, an injury attorney in California can help determine if you have a valid case.
Safety Tips While Riding Your Motorcycle
Below are some tips that may help you stay safe while riding your bike:
- Wear your helmet and other safety gear.
- Obey all traffic rules.
- Drive defensively while paying attention to what is going on around you to prepare for any unexpected circumstances.
- Assume that other drivers cannot see you and stay out of their blind spot.
- Don’t drink and ride.
- Before getting on your bike, inspect the tires, lights, and fluids to check if it is road-ready.
- Once you are on your bike, check the clutch, throttle, mirrors, brakes, and horn before proceeding down the road.
- Drive at safe speeds.
- Observe the roads for hazards so that you can avoid them.
- Avoid riding your bike in adverse weather conditions.
- Do not cut between vehicles to get to your destination faster.
- Keep your riding skills sharp by taking refresher classes, even if you think you do not need them.
Taking steps to prioritize safety can support a more responsible and enjoyable experience on the road. If, however, another driver causes your bike accident, consider consulting with an experienced California motorcycle accident lawyer. We serve clients in California, including Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and the surrounding areas.
Contact Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 or complete our “Do I Have A Case?” form here.
