To many, riding motorcycles is a hobby, while to others, it’s a way of life. Many Americans love riding motorcycles as a pastime. Most motorcycle enthusiasts are lovers of freedom, and riding gives them the sense of freedom they crave. Even though riding motorcycles is fun, motorcyclists face many challenges and dangers out on the road.
Motorcycle accident lawyers in South Carolina advocate for safety among road users to prevent
motorcycle accidents, especially now that the motorcycle industry is booming there. This is mainly because South Carolina boasts sunny and warm weather throughout the year, making it perfect for motorcycle riders to stay on their bikes all year round.
Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents to watch for as you enjoy your ride.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
1. Speeding
Speeding is the leading cause of all auto accidents, and motorcycles are no exception. Good visibility and enough reaction time help reduce accidents on the road. Speeding reduces a
rider’s chances of seeing and reacting to other road users in time to prevent an accident.
Unfortunately, most motorcyclists, especially those who own high-end sport bikes, love speeding. This can be dangerous!
Although it might be fun, it isn’t safe. Riding motorcycles safely and at the recommended speed will save lives and reduce other losses related to motorcycle accidents.
2. Inexperience
Inexperience is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Most people would love to ride a motorcycle either for fun or just to show-off, but not all know how. Like with any other skill, a motorcyclist needs to have the right training and enough practice to have experience. In addition, they also need to familiarize themselves with the bike, gauge conditions, and know how to react fast in risky situations.
3. Dangerous Road Conditions
Motorcycles are vulnerable to dangerous road conditions. Their size and lack of
stability also contributes to their vulnerability to hazardous road conditions. As a result, the impact of motorcycle accidents is often greater than that of a car.
Dangerous road conditions increase a motorcycle rider’s chances of losing control of their motorcycle. Some of these conditions may include the following:
- Crumbling pavement
- Slippery surfaces
- Potholes
- Debris
- Uneven surfaces
- Lack of necessary signals and road signs
4. Left-Turn Accidents
When cars make left-hand turns, they pose a lot of danger to oncoming motorcycles. Left-hand turns are one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. A turning car may hit a motorcycle when trying to overtake it or while going straight through an intersection,
Such accidents can also be caused by misjudgments of distance or right-of-way errors when making a left turn. In most cases, the car making the turn is usually at fault
except when the motorcycle rider was speeding or in the wrong lane.
5. Failure of Drivers to Detect Motorcycles
Bikes are small in size and can be hard to detect, especially if the driver is not attentive. Bright sunlight or obstruction by something else on the road can make it difficult for a driver to see the road clearly. If a driver makes a sudden stop without noticing a motorcycle that was following closely, they may cause an accident that may result in serious injury to the rider
Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents can happen suddenly and cause serious injuries or even death. Due to the risk of exposure by riders, they need to be very cautious of their behavior to avoid some of the human errors mentioned above. Riders should always put on their protective gear and helmet when riding to prevent the risk of serious injuries and death.