Motorcycle accident fatalities have decreased by 5.6% in recent years. That’s a difference of about 300 people whose lives were saved.
A big reason for this is that more drivers are becoming more aware of motorcycles on the road. Many states are implementing motorcycle awareness campaigns for auto drivers.
Plus many states require people to take a motorcycle safety course before they can get their license. Continue reading to learn more about the importance of motorcycle awareness.
Motorcycle Accident Causes
The biggest reason for motorcycle accidents is lack of attention. This goes for both car drivers and motorcycle riders. If you find yourself in an accident, the smartest thing you can do is contact a motorcycle accident lawyer who can assist you.
Lack of Attention
Car drivers tend to allow their attention to drift while eating, talking, messing with the radio, and putting on makeup. While motorcycle riders can get distracted by other things on the road, their own thoughts, or the music they have playing in the helmet.
When someone isn’t paying attention, their reaction time is slower. This leaves them vulnerable to an accident due to sudden actions by other drivers.
Lack of Proper Control
If you don’t have your vehicle under proper control than you are most likely driving recklessly or carelessly.
Failure to Yield
It can be tough to follow those yield signs when you are in a rush or not paying attention. Unfortunately, not following those yield signs can result in you making movements on the road that other drivers are not expecting. Those unexpected movements can result in accidents.
Driving While Intoxicated
No one should ever drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But about 800 people every day are injured in a drunk driving accident. Then to make this statistic worse, 50-75% of those who have been convicted of DUI will continue to drive while on a suspended license.
If you are on a motorcycle, look for the signs that someone around you is under the influence. First, try to avoid riding late at night when drinking happens. Second, look for the car that is speeding, drifting in their lane, or making erratic movements.
If you are riding a motorcycle and decide to drink, know that you have put your life in your hands. Motorcycles are dangerous enough; don’t make them more dangerous by impairing your ability to focus, react, and make decisions.
Speeding
This tends to be the most common culprit for accidents. Unfortunately, most people assume that a motorcycle rider is at fault because they were speeding.
Speeding is dangerous because most people can’t react quickly enough for the speed that they are traveling. The other problem is that car drivers struggle to judge just how fast the motorcycle is going.
Motorcycles are smaller than cars, and therefore their small size makes it easier to assume they are going slower than they really are. This increases the risk of an accident.
Common Injuries from a Motorcycle Accident
Sometimes you do everything you can to avoid an accident, but you can’t avoid it. While you practice motorcycle awareness, not everyone does.
There are some common injuries that happen when involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle. You need to know them so that you can wear the proper gear to prevent them.
Road Rash
When you are in an accident, our body doesn’t stop moving just because the bike does. This means you are likely to slide and bounce along the road.
Asphalt is not smooth, and your skin is not tough. What happens is a sandpaper or cheese grater effect. Your skin will get tore up, and it’s extremely painful. It will also cause extensive scarring.
You can prevent this by wearing clothing that will cover and protect your skin. Think sturdy fabrics like blue jean, Kevlar, or leather.
Arm and Hand Injuries
What is the first thing you do when you start to fall? You put your hands out to catch yourself. If you do this in a motorcycle accident while not wearing gloves, you will tear up the palms of your hands and injure your wrists.
The other common reaction is to pull your arms and hands into your body. But this causes broken bones in your arms.
Hand and Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, especially when the rider isn’t wearing a helmet. No matter what the law is in your state, always wear a DOT approve helmet.
If you are in an accident, be sure to have yourself checked for a concussion and any potential swelling. You can cause long term damage from the swelling that occurs after the accident.
Leg, Knee, and Ankle Injuries
Similar to your arms, legs tend to get beaten up and broken in an accident. You also risk burns from the pipes if the bike falls on you.
Protect your ankles and feet by wearing sturdy shoes that cover and support your ankles. This will help prevent road rash, muscles tears and broken bones.
Practice Motorcycle Awareness
By practicing these good habits for motorcycle awareness you can lower your risk of an accident. Vehicle accidents are dangerous when two cars are involved, but when a motorcycle is involved, the risk for injury and even death are greater.
No one wants to live the rest of their life feeling guilty because they permanently injured someone due to lack of attention.
As a motorcycle rider, don’t risk your health and life by riding recklessly. Remember, the safe riders are the ones who are around to enjoy the hobby late into life.
Are you ready to start riding? Use this ten step guide to getting your motorcycle license.