Motorcycle Accidents

How to Avoid 3 Common Motorcycle Accidents

RideApart, a site for motorcycle enthusiasts, gathered common motorcycle accidents and provided advice for motorcyclists to avoid them. Of course, two important steps for all riders are to wear protective gear and to take a basic rider course. Along with these, motorcyclists should watch out for:

• Entering a corner too quickly. Riding into a corner too fast can cause motorcyclists to wipe out. They can avoid the problem altogether by slowing down and being alert. But, if they find themselves in this situation, it’s recommended to resist the urge to jerk the controls or slam on the brakes. Instead, they should try to ride as smoothly as possible.
  
• Cars changing lanes into motorcyclists. Even the most alert motorcyclists can be victims of another driver’s negligence. The key to avoiding a situation where a car in the next lane suddenly veers into yours is to be hyper-aware of the driver’s blind spots. Watch for road conditions like lanes moving at different speeds or highway traffic slowing down, and keep an eye out for body language signaling the driver may change lanes.
  
• Cars hitting motorcyclists from behind. If your motorcycle is stopped and a driver hits you with his car, he has a fender bender. Meanwhile, it’s likely that you will suffer a severe injury — or even death. Avoid these fender benders by stopping to the side of the lane rather than the center and flashing your brake light by tapping the brake lever. Be especially aware late at night, in bad visibility, where stops are expected, and at pedestrian crosswalks.