Did you know that bikers account for 19.2% of all traffic fatalities? This means bikers should take road safety seriously. While riding a motorcycle is fun and exciting, it’s also very risky.
If you’re a rider, understanding the most common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you stay safe on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is obviously the main cause of motorcycle accidents, as most bikers are adrenaline junkies and love the thrill of riding fast. When a biker exceeds the speed limit, it reduces their reaction time and makes it harder to maneuver the bike, especially around sharp turns or rough roads. Speeding also increases the severity of an accident.
According to NHTSA, speeding contributed to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in 2021, with motorcycles being the most affected. Motorcycle riders are more likely to die from speeding-related accidents because their vehicles have no protective barriers and aren’t as stable as cars.
Driving Under the Influence
Alcohol and drug use is proven to cause impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slow reflexes. Drivers who are impaired tend to swerve into riders’ lanes, misjudge distances, and run red lights, making the roads dangerous for bikers.
Some bikers also drive under the influence, increasing their likelihood of causing an accident. Because motorcycles require more balance and coordination than cars, even a small amount of alcohol can affect a rider’s ability to control their bike.
According to NHTSA, 42% of bikers who died in road accidents in 2022 had alcohol in their system. This data shows how dangerous it is for motorcyclists to ride after consuming alcohol or drugs.
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is another cause of motorcycle accidents. It mostly happens when a car or truck driver doesn’t yield to motorcycles. The smaller size of motorcycles makes it hard to be seen, especially by truck drivers, putting them at a high risk.
Most times, drivers fail to check their blind spots, wrongly estimate motorcycles’ speed, or assume they have the right of way. This increases the likelihood of collisions with bikers.
Other ways in which negligent drivers cause motorcycle accidents include:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Rear-end collisions
- Door accidents
Improper Cornering
Some motorcycle accidents happen when riders incorrectly navigate turns. Improper cornering mostly happens when riders travel too fast, misjudge the angle of a curve, or fail to handle their motorcycle properly. Motorcycle riders who do not accurately evaluate both the curve’s angle and speed may lose control of the bike, which can result in crashes.
Motorcycle accidents caused by improper cornering techniques are quite common on rural roads with sharp turns and limited visibility. The lack of guardrails or barriers on some roads also increases the possibility of fatal accidents. To avoid such accidents, bikers must follow speed limits and practice proper cornering techniques.
Tailgating
You should avoid tailgating as it increases your risk of colliding with other vehicles. When you follow another vehicle too closely, you have limited time to react when the vehicle ahead stops abruptly. This could cause a rear-end collision.
Most bikers tailgate due to impatience. They tend to think that they will get to their destinations faster if they maintain a close distance to the vehicle ahead. Others tailgate to express their frustrations on the road. Whatever the reason, tailgating isn’t worth it as it puts your life and that of other road users in danger.
Riding While Distracted
You should always remain attentive when riding a bike. Motorcycles are less stable compared to cars, and losing focus even for a second could have devastating consequences. Avoid riding when tired, angry, or emotionally upset since you can easily lose focus.
Lack of focus affects your reaction time and may cause you to unintentionally drift into another lane. If you feel sleepy or fatigued, it’s best to rest for a while before hitting the road again.
Defective Motorcycle Parts
The worst mistake you can make is riding a bike with defective parts. Defective motorcycles are hard to control and can easily cause accidents. It’s the job of motorcycle manufacturers to ensure their motorcycles are not defective.
However, manufacturers sometimes breach this duty, allowing dealers to sell defective bikes. Defects can happen during the manufacturing, design, or production process. Regardless of when the defect occurs, it can cause serious injuries or deaths.
Here are some common motorbike defects that can lead to serious crashes:
- Braking system failure: Faulty brakes can be risky as it makes it hard to slow down or stop the motorcycle.
- Tire blowouts: Worn-out or damaged tires can burst, making you lose control of your motorcycle.
- Steering issues: Steering issues may prevent you from controlling the bike, resulting in dangerous collisions.
- Lighting Issues: It’s hard for other road users to see your bike at night if it does not have adequate lighting.
Inexperience
Bikers with less experience are more likely to be in an accident than those with more experience. That’s because they lack the expertise to handle emergency situations, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
If you don’t feel confident with your riding skills, then it’s best to stick to less challenging roads until you’ve gained enough experience to ride on busy roads.
Road Hazards
Road hazards can make it hard to control the bike. Some of the most common hazards that cause motorcycle accidents are slick roads and potholes. A motorcycle can easily lose balance when it hits a pothole. While potholes are hazardous to cars as well, motorcycles are more likely to crash when it rides over a pothole.
On the other hand, slippery roads can be hazardous to motorcycles, especially when turning. Slippery road situations can be caused by oil spills, fallen leaves, or painted surfaces.
Ride Smart, Stay Safe
Motorcycle accidents are quite common and can result in serious injuries. However, it’s easy to avoid them. Always follow traffic rules, be aware of your surroundings, and drive defensively.
Drivers of other vehicles must also remain alert and respect motorcyclists on the road. By working together, we can reduce accidents and make the roads safer for everyone.
