Since the first motorcycle hit the road, many people feel a call to ride. Motorcycles allow riders to feel the air in their hair and achieve a sense of freedom a car just can’t quite equal. However, motorcyclists face large risks. Small size makes them more difficult to spot, and many drivers don’t know how to react to nearby motorcyclists. Prevent an accident before it happens and be mindful of motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
The effects of a crash involving a motorcycle can often be devastating. According to NHTSA, while 20 percent of passenger vehicle crashes result in injury or death, an astounding 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. Per vehicle miles traveled, motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than people in passenger cars to die in a traffic crash. In 2019, there were 5,014 motorcyclist fatalities. Visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles to learn more about how to protect yourself as a motorcyclist. As for those driving cars and trucks, consider the points below to help secure safety for all.
Share the Road Safely
Follow these tips to stay safe while sharing the road with motorcycles:
1. Check Blind Spots
It’s especially important for drivers to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists as a result of their size and visibility. Motorcycles can easily get lost in blind spots due to their small stature. When driving, you should take extra precautions to check your blind spots. Don’t assume a motorcycle isn’t there simply because you don’t see it at first glance.
2. Be Aware of Common Motorcycle Behavior
It’s also important to understand motorcycle riding practices like downshifting and weaving to know how to anticipate and respond to them. As compared to cars, motorcycles can generally turn and stop on a dime, and by way of downshifting, a motorcyclist can quickly reduce speed without engaging the motorcycle brake light. Further, a motorcyclist may adjust his or her position within a lane for better vision, and this does not necessarily mean he or she is changing lanes.
3. Give More Space
It can be difficult to accurately judge the speed of a motorcycle, so always assume a motorcycle is closer than it appears. This additional space will account for a motorcyclist’s seemingly sudden braking, too.
4. Stay Aware
More than anything, you simply need to be aware. Do not use your phone or engage in other distractions while driving. Remain alert at all times.
Personal Injury Lawyer For Motorcycle Accidents in Arkansas
If you get into an accident on your motorcycle, call Reed Firm. You’ll get a free consultation and assessment of your case, and if we’re the right fit, we’ll help ensure you get the most out of your case.
