Riding a motorcycle offers a thrilling sense of freedom and adventure, but it also comes with several risks. Unfortunately, these risks can lead to serious accidents and injuries due to no fault of your own. As personal injury attorneys and motorcycle riders, the team at Hupy and Abraham understands the challenges that motorcyclists face on the road and works year-round to keep riders safe.
Here are the three biggest hazards that motorcycle riders encounter and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Distracted Drivers:
With smartphone use being extremely popular, distracted driving remains a great danger on the roads. When drivers are distracted by cell phones, or other things like eating, adjusting the radio, etc., they are far less likely to notice motorcycles sharing the road with them. A distracted driver can be unpredictable with sudden lane changes, failing to yield to others or following too closely, all of which can have devastating consequences for motorcyclists. Remain extra cautious when riding near drivers who appear distracted. Give these drivers a good distance between your bike and their vehicle and avoid riding alongside them for longer than you need to. If you choose to, wearing protective gear can help reduce the severity of injuries in an accident.
2. Vehicle Blind Spots:
A big issue for motorcyclists is being overlooked and ignored by drivers in their vehicle's blind spots. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles on the road, making them harder for drivers to see. Bikes are especially less visible in heavy traffic or when changing lanes, which in combination with drivers failing to check their blind spot, increases the risk of an accident. Motorcyclists should always ride defensively and assume that they are invisible to other drivers. Try to get out of a vehicle's blind spot as quickly and safely as possible and position yourself where you are most visible to surrounding traffic. A great way to combat being less visible is to use your headlights during all times of the day and wearing reflective or bright colored gear to increase your visibility. Hupy and Abraham has promoted it’s “Watch for Motorcycles” message for decades to get the point across to drivers on the road to always be aware of motorcycles. You can get your free “Watch for Motorcycles” sticker here to help spread the word.
3. Road Hazards:
Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to road hazards than other vehicles, where the driver is enclosed. Hazards such as uneven road surfaces, potholes, gravel, wet leaves and other debris pose significant threats to the stability and control of your motorcycle. Even minor obstacles that might not affect a car can cause an accident for a motorcycle rider. While riding, scan the road ahead for potential hazards. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to give yourself more time to react to any obstacles on the road. When riding through curves or turns, slow down and adjust your speed accordingly to maintain control over your bike. Properly maintaining your motorcycle can also help minimize the risk of accidents caused by road hazards.
While motorcycle riding can be a very enjoyable activity, it's essential for riders to be aware of the hazards they face on the road. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures to avoid them, motorcyclists can significantly reduce their chances of being involved in an accident.
As a rider, you can do everything right, but sometimes an accident still can happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to no fault of your own, Hupy and Abraham is here. The firm has experienced personal injury attorneys who can help you understand your rights and help you get all the money you deserve for your injuries.
Call Hupy and Abraham at 800-800-5678 or visit HUPY.COM so we can help you today.
