Common Motorcycle Accidents and What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Riding a motorcycle is both thrilling and dangerous. You’re more in contact with the road and better able to see what’s around you than you could ever be in a car. Yet you are also far more vulnerable. The following are the most common ways to be hurt in a crash and ways you can avoid an accident in the first place.

Left turning cars

Possibly the most common accident happens when a car turns directly in front of you. Sometimes this happens because drivers aren’t expecting a motorcycle. Sometimes it happens because the driver doesn’t pay attention. Either way, drivers aren’t really looking for a motorcycle. Instead, they’re looking to not see a car.

Motorcycles are less common than other vehicles, so expect drivers not to see you. Even if you live in an area with plenty of motorcycles, a visiting driver could be from somewhere that motorcycles are practically nonexistent, and would never be looking for one. Always slow, cover your brakes, and prepare to evade. After all, your life could be at stake.

Cornering issues

Another common motorcycle accident happens when riders take a corner too quickly. This might happen because a rider is inexperienced, but it might just be an unfamiliar corner or one that angles more sharply than appears on approach.

Make sure you’re never riding without your helmet and proper body protective gear. HJC helmets and other quality protective gear are your first line of defense in the event of a crash. To keep a crash like this from happening at all, always take a blind or unfamiliar corner as if your life depended on it, and use poles or other regularly spaced objects as a way to judge where the road is going.

Fender-benders

Fender-benders happen all the time no matter what you drive. Between two cars, these accidents are usually no big deal. On a motorcycle, though, a fender-bender can very well get you killed.

Use other vehicles at the intersection as a barrier between you and traffic approaching from behind. Pull up in front of cars already stopped (being sure to wave a friendly “thank-you” when you do) or sit between two cars. If there are no cars at the stoplight, position your bike between lanes rather than directly in front of one.

Unexpected gravel

Gravel is a killer for motorcyclists. When you hit it and aren’t expecting it, you can wipe out in an instant. If you hit gravel at speed this can be deadly, but even at slower speeds, the resulting injuries can be painful and debilitating.

You need to be sure to stay safe while riding. Even if you’re on a date and dressed in non-typical riding gear, make sure you’ve covered your black sheath dress with a jacket that really protects you; not just one that looks cool. To avoid the issue in the first place, never ride an unfamiliar road at speeds too fast, and make sure your trail-braking skills are up to par.

Front brake spills

The front wheel brake is actually your most powerful motorcycle tool. It’s also the one with the most potential to send you flying through the air. If you don’t know what you’re doing, grabbing that front brake and squeezing for all you’re worth can end with you on the ground and your motorcycle in the shop.

Find a nice empty parking lot and start practicing. Keep doing it until you’ve mastered how to use this brake in conjunction with the back wheel brake and how to reach the very edge of locking up without actually being thrown over the front of your bike. Once you master the technique, you’ll have the muscle memory to use it effectively in an emergency situation.

By practicing your riding, wearing proper gear, and being mindful of your surroundings, you’ll have a much higher chance of being safe on the road.  

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