In 2020, 84,000 motorcyclists were injured in road accidents. Many motorcycle accidents are preventable if the right safety precautions are taken.
As a biker, it’s your responsibility to follow all motorcycle safety guidance, whether you’re on or off the road. Otherwise, you could be involved in an accident resulting in injury or fatalities.
Keep reading to learn the most common causes of accidents for motorcyclists in Memphis, TN.
Going Too Fast
Breaking the speed limit on a motorbike is exceptionally dangerous. It is very easy to lose control of a motorbike because they are much lighter than cars. Motorcycle accidents often happen on straight stretches of road where the rider believes it is safe to speed.
Stick to the speed limit to avoid unnecessary accidents. Breaking the speed limit is also against the law, so you could face fines, motorbike license loss, or even jail time if you are found to have broken the speed limit and caused an accident as a result.
Drunk Driving
If you choose to drive any vehicle while drunk, including a motorbike, you are breaking the law. Unfortunately, this does happen often. Drunk drivers are much more reckless, unaware of their surroundings, and crash more regularly.
Driving drunk on a motorbike makes you more inclined to take foolish risks on the road. You might be inclined to drive over the speed limit, not wear the proper safety equipment, and put yourself and other road users in danger.
Adverse Weather Conditions
If your area is dealing with snow, sleet, heavy rain, or ice, your local roads could be dangerous to drive on. Those who use motorbikes should generally avoid driving them in these kinds of weather conditions. You’ll be much more likely to slide, skid, and crash your bike when the roads are slippery.
If you do choose to use your bike when the weather is bad, make sure to take every precaution. Use high-quality gear, such as leather clothing and a new helmet to protect yourself against injury.
Make sure to drive slowly, taking particular care around sharp corners. Don’t overtake, as you may not be able to see what is coming toward you.
A Distracted Driver
Whether it was the rider or another driver who was distracted, not paying attention to the road causes major motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles sometimes come out of nowhere and can be difficult to spot due to their much smaller size. This can lead to accidents if one or more parties are not watching the road.
As a motorcycle driver or a car driver, it is your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Before pulling off from a stop light, check your mirrors for motorcycles. If you’re riding a motorbike, approach other vehicles slowly so they always have a chance to spot you.
Motorcycle Accidents are Preventable
By taking care on the road and being a cautious, considerate driver, we can all experience fewer motorcycle accidents. If you’re a motorbike driver, wear the proper safety equipment, follow the speed limit, and don’t get distracted on the road.
To learn more about the legal side of motorbike accidents, reach out to us today.