Motorcycle accidents are rarely mild, leading to debilitating injuries or even fatalities that greatly impact the lives of riders and those around them. If you plan on riding a motorcycle in the future or are a current rider looking to make sure that you’re safe on the road, there’s never a better time than the present to learn about the many hazards and how to improve road safety. In this guide, we’ll work to better understand motorcycle accidents and how to prevent them so you can ride around in confidence. Let’s dive in.
What Are Some of the Common Causes Behind Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents can happen for any number of reasons. But much like car accidents, you have more control than you know. Here are some of the top causes of motorcycle accidents that you should be aware of if you’re looking to reduce your overall risk of a crash.
- Insufficient Experience: The bulk of motorcycle accidents do not involve another vehicle, and one of the top reasons for these types of crashes is riders with insufficient experience. You need to be properly trained and licensed to ride motorcycles.
- Testing Motorcycle Limitations: Motorcycles have their limits. Trying to test those limits by going above the speed limit or engaging in tricks on the freeway often leads to disaster.
- Other Drivers: Motorcycle riders still need to be aware of other drivers on the road. Some drivers act unpredictably or hostile toward riders, which can quickly lead to a major accident.
- Weather or Road Issues: Not all roads are safe for riders. Inclement weather and road obstacles have been known to cause motorcycle accidents without warning.
- Riding Under the Influence: A staggering number of motorcycle accidents are due to riding under the influence. One split second is all it takes for a good ride to go bad.
How to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
While motorcycle accidents are not entirely avoidable, a number of them can be prevented by making the right choices on the road. Here are some tips on preventing motorcycle accidents that you can use to reduce your risk of injury while you’re out riding.
- Wear reflective clothing that makes it easy for other drivers to see you on the road, especially if you plan on riding anywhere late at night.
- Pay close attention to other drivers and be ready to respond to unpredictable driving patterns.
- Pay attention to the road as well. Are there any potholes that you will need to avoid? Is there debris in the road that could instantly stop your motorcycle? Is the current weather making it extremely difficult to ride safely? Being able to assess risk and determine any potential problems can save your life.
- Be extremely careful around intersections, which are problematic areas for riders due to a lack of visibility and awareness from other drivers.
- Avoid using alcohol or any other substances if you also plan on being out on the road. You need to be sober and aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Don’t engage in any risky riding behaviors like doing tricks or speeding.
- Consider taking classes that can help you improve your riding ability so that you’re safer on the road and more prepared for issues that other riders have encountered in the past.
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating. According to the National Safety Council, 5,932 motorcyclist lost their lives in 2021, 96 of those fatalities occurred in Kentucky. Use the guide above to better identify what causes other riders to crash and how you can ride with greater confidence moving forward.