Motorcycle riding can be both a recreational activity and also a practical method of transportation. Whatever purpose your motorcycle serves it is important that you always ride with caution. Unlike automobiles, motorcycles are not completely encased by metal, equipped with safety restraints, or airbags. Road accidents involving motorcycles are usually severe and leave victims seriously injured. Most motorcycle accidents are preventable.
1. Visibility
A significant number of motorcycle accidents are caused by lack of visibility. In comparison to automobiles motorcycles are smaller in size, thus making them harder to spot. It is very easy for a motorcycle to disappear in the blind spot of regular sized vehicle. A common scenario is when automobile drivers are unable to spot motorcyclists hidden in their blind spot and they turn left. In most cases, motorcyclists are not given enough reaction time to brake or avoid a collision. For this reason, motorcyclists should always ride with extreme caution. Driving defensively is a great method of accident prevention. As a motorcyclist, always assume that you are the only responsible and experienced driver on the road.
2. Inexperience
Another common preventable cause of motorcycle accident is lack of experience for motorcyclists. This is very common in the first few months after the bike was purchased. It is of extreme importance that as a motorcyclist you familiarize yourself with your bike. Throughly read the instruction manual, locate all the vital components (brakes, handlebars, etc) and practice how to handle your bike on the road. Understand how to manage your bike on rough surfaces or wet pavement. Be able to determine the noises coming from your bike mean. Essentially, motorcyclists should log as many hours on their bikes as possible. The more experience you have on your bike the easier it will be for you to handle unexpected obstacles, uneven surfaces, or reckless drivers on the road.
3. Reckless riding
Some motorcyclists use their motorcycles for practical purposes. Such as driving to and fro from work and school. Motorcyclists that use their bikes for functional purposes are more inclined to drive cautiously and refrain from reckless driving. However, others use their bikes for recreational purposes. These are the drivers that feel compelled to speed and rive recklessly. Most of these drivers ride recklessly all for the sake of the thrill or excitement they receive from driving daringly. Speeding while bike riding significantly increases the likelihood of involvement in an accident. Preventive measures include driving within the speed limit and refraining from reckless or daring driving behavior.
4. Tailing too closely
Tailing another vehicle too closely can be the cause of a serious or fatal accident. Sometimes motorcyclists do not leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front. In the event that a motorcycle driver collides with another vehicle they could easily be thrown off other bike. The limited protection a motorcycle provides can cause severe injuries or even death. These types of accidents are prevented by tailing vehicles at a reasonable distance.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and are seeking legal counsel, contact us at Colley and Colley.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
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