Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience. It can also be incredibly dangerous. Two-wheeled transportation is less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, riders do not have the protection of an enclosed vehicle should have crash occur.
Many collisions are outside of the control of a motorcycle rider because they are the result of the actions of others in traffic. However, some riders put themselves at risk by making the wrong decisions at the wrong time. The following are some of the mistakes that have a strong association with increased risk of a motorcycle crash.
Delaying maintenance
One of the most frequently ignored safety tips for motorcycle riders involves inspecting the bike every time they intend to go out for a ride. At the very least, riders should perform thorough checks at the beginning of the season. Riders may also need to complete basic inspections before long rides or after a change in their motorcycle’s performance. Those who don’t regularly check their bikes for signs of damage or maintenance needs could put themselves at risk of a crash due to a preventable mechanical issue.
Riding after drinking
Technically, motorcycle riders are subject to the same blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit as any other adult motorist. Once their BAC reaches 0.08%, they are at risk of impaired driving charges. However, an arrest isn’t the real concern. The main issue is the possibility of the rider losing control because of mild impairment. Those who are at or near the BAC limit could have longer reaction times and might make the wrong choice in traffic, which could have tragic consequences.
Aggressively maneuvering in traffic
One of the many perks of riding a motorcycle is how they can easily maneuver around other vehicles during traffic jams. Whether a motorcycle rider swerves out onto the shoulder to avoid traffic at a standstill or simply leaves in and out of other vehicles on the highway, those maneuvers can be dangerous. Drivers tend to overlook motorcycles to begin with, making visibility a key concern. When they move rapidly from lane to lane, it is even easier than usual for drivers to crash into motorcycles because they do not see them.
Being aware of how certain choices can increase the risk of a motorcycle crash could potentially save a rider’s life. Those who do end up involved in motorcycle collisions may have grounds to pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit against any driver who might be to blame for the wreck.
