The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
There are lots of people who love riding motorcycles. There is something liberating about driving down the open road with the sunshine striking your face. At the same time, a motorcycle accident can happen when you least expect it, and you need to know what to do next. You should always call 911, make sure you are evaluated by a medical professional, and then reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer who can review your case. What are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, and what can you do to avoid them? There are a few important points to keep in mind.
Distracted Driving
Just like driving a car, you must make sure you pay full attention to the road when you are driving a motorcycle. Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. Even though it might be more difficult to use your cell phone while driving a motorcycle, there are plenty of other distractions as well. You don’t have any insulation from the noise of the road, and you may still be listening to the radio when you drive. It is more challenging to keep control of a motorcycle when compared to a car, so you must make sure that all of your attention is on the road at all times.
Bad Weather
Bad weather is also a common cause of motorcycle accidents. You cannot turn on your windshield wipers if you are driving a motorcycle. Therefore, bad weather has a significantly greater impact on someone riding a motorcycle. If there is a severe storm that rolls through while you are riding your motorcycle, you should pull off to the side and wait for the weather to dissipate. Driving rain can make it very difficult for you to see, and winter weather can significantly reduce your traction on the pavement. Even though there might be situations where you have to drive through bad weather, it is better to avoid this situation when you can.
Drunk Driving
Finally, drunk driving is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. The legal limit of blood alcohol concentration is 0.08. If your BAC is above this limit, you cannot operate a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle. Unfortunately, there are still some people who decide to drive while intoxicated. If you drive while drunk, you will have a harder time staying awake, your reflexes are impaired, and your judgment will be inhibited. Therefore, do not decide to drive drunk. Drunk drivers can also collide with you while you are riding a motorcycle, leading to serious injuries. There are plenty of alternatives to drunk driving, such as taxis and rideshare apps. Never make a decision to drive drunk, as you markedly increase your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Seek Professional Care Following a Motorcycle Accident
There are plenty of causes of motorcycle accidents, and it is important to put safety at the top of your priority list every time you get on your motorcycle. Unlike a car, there is no frame between you and the pavement. Therefore, even a minor motorcycle accident has the potential to be extremely serious. People suffer serious injuries in motorcycle accidents all the time, and that is why you always need to reach out to a doctor who can perform a comprehensive physical exam and perform any necessary imaging to ensure all injuries are diagnosed. Then, do not forget to reach out to a motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you.
