What Causes So Many Motorcycle Accidents?

Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents.

When you’re out for a ride on your motorcycle, you know that the risk of crashing can be high. This is especially true when you’re on a busy road where there’s a lot of other traffic. 

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The good news is that there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of being involved in a collision and suffering serious injuries or death. Below are some of the top causes of motorcycle accidents: 

Open car doors:

One of the most common types of motorcycle accidents is when a driver accidentally opens a vehicle door directly in front of the bike. These types of accidents are dangerous because it’s impossible for a motorcyclist to avoid a collision with an open door. This is why a number of states have “dooring laws” in place, as well as awareness campaigns to educate drivers about this dangerous practice. 

Other drivers’ errors:

Another cause of motorcycle accidents is when other motorists make a mistake while driving on the highway. Often, these mistakes are due to inexperience or lack of knowledge on how to handle a motorbike. When a driver makes a wrong turn, fails to notice a motorcycle, or simply turns in front of a motorcycle without looking, it can be deadly for the rider and passengers. 

Other factors that contribute to this type of accident include inclement weather, slippery road surfaces, and obstacles on the highway. These conditions can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles because they’re smaller than most vehicles and have less stability on the roads. 

Alcohol use:

Alcohol is a leading cause of many road accidents, including those that involve motorcyclists. In fact, it’s the most prevalent cause of fatal motorcyclist accidents worldwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 27 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents were attributed to intoxicated riders. 

Having a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit can impair your ability to think clearly and react quickly. This is especially true when you’re riding your motorcycle because it requires your attention to be focused on the road and avoiding other hazards and distractions. 

Unsafe lane maneuvers: 

Drivers who make unsafe lane changes while operating their vehicles are at fault for most motorcycle crashes. This includes lane splitting, where a motorcycle rider drives in between two lanes of traffic to get out of a jam. Similarly, it can also occur when drivers fail to signal before changing lanes or don’t check their blind spots for nearby bikes. 

Age plays a role in these types of accidents as well. Older riders tend to have slower reaction times and poor coordination, which can put them in danger during an accident. 

Speeding is also a big problem for motorcycles because it can be hard to slow down or stop if you’re traveling too fast. Moreover, motorcycles don’t have the same protective features as cars or trucks, so speeding can be extremely dangerous for riders. 

Besides being intoxicated, these other causes of motorcycle accidents can lead to severe and life-altering injuries for the rider and passengers. The best way to avoid these accidents is to take the time to learn all about motorcycles, their safety and limitations, and how to operate your bike properly while on the road.