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Avoiding Common Motorcycle Accident Scenarios
Most of us know that riding a motorcycle comes with the serious risk of being involved in a life-altering motorcycle accident. Indeed, a recent article from the San Diego Union-Tribune reminded readers about a San Diego City College student who recently lost a limb in a motorcycle collision after being struck by an automobile. Even the most careful riders can become victims of a debilitating crash. What can motorcyclists do to stay safe on the roads? According to a fact sheet from RideApart.com, an online portal that provides research tools to help consumers as they consider a motorcycle purchase, many of the most common motorcycle accidents are avoidable. All riders in the San Diego area should pay attention to these tips for motorcycle accident prevention.
Cars turning left abruptly in front of motorcyclists are among the most common causes of a severe or fatal motorcycle accident. Automobile drivers often have difficulty determining the speed of a motorcyclist, and in some cases, those drivers simply do not see bikers at all. How can you avoid being involved in such a collision?
The key to avoiding a “left turn” accident is to pay attention. If you can see an accident coming and can predict that a car or SUV will turn in front of you, you can adjust your speed and direction in order to avoid a crash. Some signs that a driver might turn in front of you include but are not limited to:
- Car at an intersection waiting to turn left; and
- Gap in traffic around an intersection or a parking lot.
If you can see the potential for an accident to happen, you can apply both brakes and give yourself an opportunity to avoid a serious injury. As the fact sheet emphasizes, “even if you only have time to lose 10 or 20 mph, that could be the difference between going home with bruises and going home at all.”
What to Do When You Hit an Unexpected Rough Patch in the Road
For motorcyclists, the risk of a rough or uneven area of road is a well-known danger. To be sure, if you attempt to round a corner and hit a patch of gravel, leaves, sand, or ice, you can risk wiping out and being thrown from your motorcycle.
How can you avoid this kind of accident? In short, it is essential to approach curves in the road slowly. If you can see a rough patch of highway, you can avoid it. And even if you do not notice a patch of sand or a bump in the road (normally, highway signs will alert you to a bump or uneven area), riding slowly and abiding by the speed limit can help to prevent an accident.
What to Do if a Car Cuts You Off in Your Lane
When cars unexpectedly change lanes and do not put on their turn signals, they can cause severe motorcycle accidents. You can help to prevent such an accident by always paying attention to drivers’ blind spots and avoiding them as much as possible. If you are able to see a driver in her mirror, then it is most likely that she can see you, too. And if you notice a car’s turn signal come on or see the vehicle veering toward another lane, slow down and ensure that you remain outside the driver’s blind spot.
Most importantly, motorcycle riders should always complete a basic safety course and should wear protective gear. You might feel as though you are invincible while you are on your bike, but a distracted automobile driver can unexpectedly cause a deadly collision. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident, you should learn more about your options from an experienced San Diego motorcycle accident attorney. Do not hesitate to contact the Walton Law Firm to discuss your case.
Photo Credit: Andrew Wong MPLS via Compfight cc See Related Blog Posts: Preventing Motorcycle Accidents with Better Technology Deadly Motorcycle Accidents and Safety Measures