Dangers Of Riding A Motorcycle
Many people prefer motorcycles because they offer cheap insurance, are affordable and are great on gas mileage. But, the dangers sometimes outweigh the benefits when one takes a look at the accident statistics. Regardless of age, you are at a very high probability of being killed in an accident in comparison to those of similar age who are driving a different type of vehicle.
80 percent of motorcycle crashes will result in injury or death. If you have a passenger on the motorcycle, the percentage of fatalities when a motorcycle collides with a passenger vehicle is 98%. That means there’s only a 2 percent chance that the passenger on your motorcycle is going to live if you get into an accident.
If you are involved in a crash and not wearing a helmet, you are likely to suffer a concussion, brain damage, and possibly facial disfiguration. If you’re not wearing motorcycle apparel, you may also get road rash, which can result in skin and muscle damage. In a wreck, you can also easily break joints, including your shoulders and pelvis.
All motorcycle riders must know and respect the fact that the odds are stacked against them every time they ride. No matter your age, gender or the kind of motorcycle you ride, it is very important for you to use common sense when operating a motorcycle and to make certain that your motorcycle and riding gear is always properly maintained.
Major Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents
Bad Weather
There are many different weather phenomena that can turn the roadway into a dangerous place for a motorcyclist and his or her passenger in an instant. High winds, heavy rain, snow, ice, lightning, and tornadoes are some of these hazards and it is absolutely essential that a biker be prepared to respond immediately so that they can protect their safety.
Bad Roads
Unlike the auto, motorcycles do not have the ability to withstand severe conditions of road hazards like potholes, debris, uneven pavements and slippery roads. The fact that a motorcycle has two wheels; this makes it unstable to withstand some of these conditions.
Substance Abuse
Driving while under the influence of legal or illegal drugs and drunk driving can be a major cause of road accidents. Visions, coordination, balance and dexterity can be impaired. Behavior can also be altered by these substances and could cause one to speed drive or be reckless.
Fatigue
Any impairment such as fatigue can cloud your thinking and limits you from recognizing danger. It’s a no-brainer that you should not ride a motorcycle if you are tired or fatigue or under emotional upheaval.
Over Speeding
Over speeding is another cause of motorcycle accidents. This is not only true to new drivers but to the old ones as well. Many riders ignore the speed limit for a particular road. Since fast bikes are difficult to maneuver, they are most likely to encounter accidents.
Other Drivers
Many studies have concluded that motorcycles accidents are not always the fault of the cyclist, but another driver.
The University of Southern California conducted a major study and discovered that about three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involved a passenger vehicle, and out of those three-fourths, over half of them were the passenger vehicle’s fault. These accidents are generally caused by failure of the other vehicle to recognize motorcycles in lanes and violating the motorcyclist’s right-of-way.
Conclusion
When you are driving a motorcycle, allow yourself plenty of space when out on the road. Make sure that the space between you and the next vehicle is at a distance where you will be able to maneuver comfortably and safely.
Most accidents can be avoided when the drivers are very careful and pay attention to what he or she is doing while riding. So being safe is being observant, fast and careful.
If you do get involved in a motorcycle accident and are lucky enough to walk away from it but yet, still have injuries, call our office today to set up an appointment as we may be able to help you. We can also help you find a personal injury lawyer here in Columbus, Ohio as well.