Motorcycle riders should always be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to road hazards. If you ride a motorcycle on the road, you should know about the dangers you might encounter. People these days are a significant portion selecting motorbikes for transportation. An unexpected crash can ruin your beautiful moments in minutes, regardless of how expensive a motorcycle you use.
Take a look at the Top 8 Motorcycle Road Hazards:
- Railroad Crossings
- Edge Brakes Between Lanes
- Expansion Joints/Bridge Connectors
- Gravels Lead to Slide
- Wet Surfaces
- Unexpected Debris
- Water Standing on The Road
- Animals on the Roadway
However, motorcyclists have to be careful because they can get hurt. They might fall off the motorcycle if they swerve or hit another vehicle. They might hit a pothole or a piece of debris on the street. Also, other people might not see them because they are on a bird-sized motorcycle and might be driving in the same lane.
In detail, let’s study the most common dangers of motorcycles across the US.
The Top 8 Motorcycle Road Hazards
Motorcycle riders should always be aware of their surroundings and follow the road rules. A motorcyclist should keep safety guards like helmets and gloves and bright lights on their bike equipped while driving. It will help you prevent motorcycle tip-over injuries. Furthermore, Keep in mind to keep your helmet on even after a crash. We have explained the potential risks of removing a crash helmet.
Remember, only knowing the Motorcycle Road Hazards through this article would not be enough. If you don’t follow safety precautions, a lot of knowledge won’t help you survive an accident at the end of the day.
Significantly, many people do not think they must wear helmets or other safety gear when traveling short distances. Remember, crashes can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. If you have gone through a collision and are not wearing a helmet and other safety gear, it will be tough to claim insurance because the accident might be your fault. The insurance carrier will try to label you as a reckless driver for this reason. Therefore, you should know the pros and cons of wearing a motorcycle helmet and take precautions accordingly.
But motorcycle riders have some dangers to watch out for too. They might have to avoid potholes, rocks on the road, or even other cars. But you can’t control a crash going to happen by other drivers. Most motorcyclists claim that the Number One Cause of Motorcycle Accidents is the negligence of other drivers in 2022.
After all, According to NHTSA, the chances of dying on a motorcycle are still 13% even if you maintain all safety measurements. Let’s discuss the potential road hazards you could face while driving your motorcycle.
Railroad Crossings
According to a report, about 5,800 train-car crashes happen yearly in the US (DEPARTMENT OF US TRANSPORTATION). Most of these crashes occur at railroad crossings. Such crashes occur because cars, trucks, and motorcyclists try to drive or walk around the crossing gates when closed. The accidents kill about 600 people and hurt about 2,300 people.
When riding a motorcycle, you must be careful of road hazards like railroad tracks. When you cross railroad tracks, you have to be extra cautious. You must look both ways to ensure a train isn’t coming. If you see a train coming, there are ways to make it safer, like slowing down when approaching, looking both ways before crossing, and using caution while crossing.
Sometimes, motorcycles can get stuck in the rail lines. As a result, an incoming train can ruin your vehicle in seconds. Crossing the rail track using motorcycles should be steady. Slow down when you approach the Railtrack. Then go by constant acceleration through the channel.
Edge Brakes Between Lanes
Motorcycle edge brakes between lanes is a technique that allows riders to brake and change lanes simultaneously. Edge brakes between lanes have been known as one the popular reasons for motorcycles with the most number of accidents.
The rider can use this technique to avoid other cars in the lane or an object on the road. Typically, any motorcycle can use this technique. But these sorts of practices are inspired by sports motorcycles.
Using this brake will slow down or stop your bike depending on how much pressure you apply to it. Other than usual times, for example, edge braking between lanes can cause accidents at a higher speed in heavy traffic. For instance, an incoming vehicle lacking driving skills can overlook and hit you even if you maintained everything perfectly. New York Times reported in 2018 that car and motorcycle accidents occur the most in edge braking cases.
Expansion Joints/Bridge Connectors (Most Vital Motorcycle Road Hazards)
Accidents In EXPANSION JOINTS/BRIDGE JOINTS. Expansion is the path that connects parts of a bridge. These connectors are valuable because it expands the roadway. They can be designed to fit these bridges because of the engineering design; however, numerous accidents occur in this connection.
Keep Two crucial things in mind to avoid a motorcycle accident on a highway bridge. Most motorcyclists days, it is one.
1. Motorcyclists consider highway bridges dangerous areas to ride in because of the expansion joints where one joins another or with traffic on both sides; you may need to maneuver around vehicles and tight spaces that cause blind spots preventing you from seeing a motorcycle ahead.
2. Always keep your headlight on at night time.
3. Sometimes, the roads get wet when it rains and expand. The expansion joints are the spaces between the cracks in the street. The expansion joints can create a “Blind Spots” area. It can happen when no lines are on the road, making it hard to see. The motorbike can get stuck in the “Blind Spots” area when a motorcycle drives over the expansion joint USE SIGNALS and avoid blind spots as much as possible to prevent this.
Gravels Lead to Slide
Gravel can cause the tires to lose traction, which is dangerous in a curve since you need more force applied on the handlebars than at straight-most of your body (by this, I mean your bike), and with loss of traction comes losing control. Check to make sure your motorcycle is running perfectly. In some cases, motorcycle malfunctions make motorcycles crash by sliding.
You can make your bike easier to ride by doing the following things. The first is by changing out your tires. You can change them to tires with a lot of grip on the ground. You can keep the hazard lights on a motorcycle for safety purposes.
The second thing is to put more air in the tires or lower the pressure. You can do this to make your bike grip the ground better. The third thing is to change your regular shoes into shoes with a lot of grip on the pedal. As a result, It will make riding easier because it will make it harder for you to slip off the pedal.
Use knobby ones that make you want to ride faster to get away (the angry man behind me). Riding with tiny front brakes also helps because it will help slow down and hold speed on curves.
Wet Surfaces (Most Common Motorcycle Road Hazards)
Wet surfaces are slippery. It won’t allow you to stop as quickly as you want. If you are going too fast, you can skid. Skidding is when your tires lose their grip on the road. If this happens, you could crash. When it rains, the streets get wet. As a result, it’s hard to stop your motorcycle from skidding. If you skid, you go out of control.
You can crash into a tree, car, person, or another motorcycle – It’s hazardous. You can’t stop skidding by yourself. Before you get to the wet part of the road, you must go slow enough to use your brakes. Better slow down when it rains or the sky looks rainy. If you go fast when wet, you will skid and crash.
Most of a vehicle’s weight rests on tires that mount directly to the ground. Motorcycles do not have this protection. When hydroplaning occurs, their movement can change your tire pressure drastically and increase load tremendously, resulting in loss of traction or even motorcycle tipping over.
Unexpected Debris
Debris on the roadway can be a significant reason for a potentially fatal accident. The debris we indicate is often the tires, rocks, leaves, tree branches, and items that fell from other vehicles, like tools, clothing, or garbage. Cars and truck trucks can create the highest amount of objects on the road, but items left at traffic or construction sites are also dangerous.
Traveling with dealing with these objects is often impossible. Sometimes you can’t just avoid the debris by turning to the other side. When riding your motorbike, be careful when riding over leaves and other things that might fall onto the road. If you can’t avoid them, go slowly over them. Riding too fast or braking too hard is dangerous and sensitive.
Water Standing On the road
Water on the roadway makes the surface slippery. If you travel on slippery surfaces, you can occur an accident. Your vehicle may skid out of control. If a car driven by someone with poor driving skills drains your windshield, you can suffer severe injuries in the accident.
– Avoid slushy roads as much as possible because they make things slippery. Slosh on highways also creates hazards like downed power lines and busted pipes. Remember that water standing on the road is one of the most significant motorcycle road conditions.
Also Read: How Do You Deal a No-Fault Motorcycle Crash? (If you were not at fault)
Animals on the Roadway
Be on the lookout for animals in sensitive areas, like farms and grounds. If you hit an animal on the road, it can cause you to fall off your motorbike. It’s like hitting another car or a rock or something. It can make you fall off your motorcycle.
It’s hazardous to hit an animal on the road. Some states have laws that tell you when you can ride your motorcycle and when you can’t.
The problem is animals cause more accidents than people do. A study even shows that 5% to 7% of all motorcycle accidents involving people and animals on the roadway occur by animals. Animals on the road are unexpected. This cause of road accidents is as competitive as the Motorcycle accident rate vs. car.
Other Uncommon Motorcycle Road Hazards
Are there any dangers for motorcyclists? Sure there are – though not nearly the degree of problems that other road users face. We all make mistakes, including bikers (just last week, I ran a red light while on my motorcycle – yep).
Motorcyclists must realize that they are more vulnerable on roads, unlike other vehicles. They must be mindful that they are more likely to be involved in an accident. They must know how to avoid such dangers of motorcycles on the road. So, let’s look at the few hazards people are unaware of often. Unfortunately, these causes are liable for 34% of motorcycle collisions.
Bad Weather Influence
Motorcycle accidents can happen due to bad weather conditions. In the United States during May 2011-January 2012, 4,109 motorcycle crashes occurred in bad weather. Vodka adds a little extra bounce to enhance these weather conditions, or maybe it’s not even Vodka but imagine all of your riders hugging you.
Well, anyway, Keep in mind that the weather can change anytime during a particular season. Experienced riders recommend not going for extended tours in such weather conditions. Keep necessary equipment like a raincoat, gloves, vehicle cover, and sunglasses to avoid weather hazards.
Motorcycle self accidents
One-vehicle motorcycle accidents happen when only the motorcyclist is involved. They are the second most common type of traffic crash. Such Motorcycle Self Accident occurs at the same rate as automobile accidents, and One-vehicle motorcycle accidents often have similar characteristics. Even One-vehicle motorcycle accidents can cause motorcycle carburetor flooding. As a result, you will be unable to start your machine.
They usually involve head-on collisions, turns on curves or highways with no posted speed limits, driver error leading to unwanted acceleration, and entry speeds above the legal limit. Also, it can happen to the manufacturer’s fault where Motorcycles are designed not to maintain control when traveling faster than 35 MPH (52 km/h ) on level ground.
Visibility of other drivers (Why other drivers are one of the Motorcycle Road Hazards)
Other drivers can mistakenly overlook your motorcycle, causing an accident to occur. Some have suffered severe injuries and even deaths due to this. Instead of seeing where you are going, the other driver will only react based on their time perception in traffic situations around them.
To make sure this doesn’t happen, follow these steps:
- Headlights at night Driving with high beams during daylight helps drivers on both sides of your motorcycle better see you and surrounding cars and other obstacles.
- Brake Lights Headlights have a reflector at the front called a high beam bulb or lens aimed away from nearby cars, directing their attention toward you and your motorcycle instead of someone behind them traveling too fast for conditions. The brake light helps drivers see if something in front of them stops them from moving. It is crucial when a driver may suddenly turn toward you at intersections.
- Rear Turn Signals Indicator lights on your rear fender flash three times and then turn off when you take a turn. This process will let other drivers around you know where you are going.
Bonus: 3 More Reasons Motorcycles Crash
Probably nothing can beat a motorcycle in terms of the crash. It’s perhaps the efficient form of transportation known to man. But don’t let that quote fool you – even this mode of transportation is vulnerable and can be subject to Collisions too! They happen on every kind of road, especially during rush hour traffic. The Top 3 Reasons Motorcycles Crash are:
- High-Speed Maneuvering
- Driver Exhaustion
- Unaware Pedestrians
That is why it’s crucial for a motorcycle rider to always remain vigilant and focused on the task at hand. Even one lapse in judgment or carelessness could result in something terrible happening.
This article will explain some interesting insights from my experience, statistics, and other bikers’ perspectives. Let’s know the Top 3 Reasons Motorcycles Crash and tips and techniques geared towards preventing such instances from occurring altogether!
Read More: What type of motorcycle has the most accidents?
Top 3 Reasons Motorcycles Crash
On the roads, a motorcycle crash used to be pretty commonplace. Although motorcycle weight is much lighter and more maneuverable than cars, these bikes pose risks for both drivers and other motorists on the road. Motorcycle accidents commonly result in bodily injury for both drivers and their passengers. Such crashes lead to significant financial losses due to vehicle damage and personal injury from mishaps. We have outlined three crucial causes that we have found to contribute significantly, namely:
#1 High-Speed Maneuvering:
Motorcycles travel at very high speeds, making it particularly dangerous to handle them on the road. Of course, they tend to go faster than cars; therefore, their maneuverability, in a sense, becomes extremely limited in space or if there is an obstruction within any part of the vehicle. Many people do not know how fast motorcycles can go while accelerating. Be conscious that you can quickly come to a screeching halt if it happens too fast in your favor or even against you! After such accidents, motorcycle damage includes motorcycle crank not starting, Crack in the frame, and engine-related issues.
Also Read: Expectations After a motorcycle Accident
#2 Driver Exhaustion:
It often happens that the brakes of a motorcycle are not responsive at all. As a result, The motorcyclist cannot stop them from traveling further down the street. As a result, It makes those on board exhausted because of all their hard work to regain control. Many people become increasingly exhausted after riding for a long time. Some people never realize how exhausting track days can result from lack of sleep, daily multitasking, and only sitting down and thinking in peace while on the road!
#3 Pedestrians:
Pedestrians often aren’t very aware when they’re out and about – they’re busy with their phones or listening to music, or maybe even the television! But you still need to make sure that you’re alert and attentive to know what’s going on around you. Lookup; look around – be mindful of your surroundings! Bikers could even scare people by weaving past at high speed! Bikers must ease off the pedal slightly when turning left instead of slamming it into full throttle, which is not good either! Every little thing here plays a role in motorcycle crashes. So, be aware that most people involved become victims in their attempt to make a safe ride. The first point is that motorcycles will ALWAYS move faster than pedestrians, which means you can’t always expect to stop them. The chances of surviving such motorcycle accidents are meager, unfortunately.
Motorcycle Accident Deaths by Numbers
Motorcycle riders are more likely to die when a car accident occurs than all other motor vehicles. The average weight of motorcycles is significantly less than that of other vehicles resulting in minor damage and more severe injuries. And about 76% of bikers die due to the Top 3 Reasons Motorcycles Crash listed above.
Data from NHTSA says motorcycles are more likely to be involved in accidents than passenger cars. Moreover, Motorcycle Accidents are the leading cause of death in the US for people under 35.
Motorcyclist deaths account for 14% of the total number of motor vehicle accidents. It is a significant difference, as people in cars make up the bulk of road-involved deaths (86%). Motorcycle deaths are 28x higher than any other car.
What Makes Motorcycle Dangers So Bad? (Motorcycle Road Hazards)
Whether a fixed object or a two-vehicle collision, motorcyclists are more likely to have severe injuries and serious injuries compared to four-wheeled vehicles due to the following factors:
Small Size – Suppose either vehicle is not modified. In that case, motorcycles in a collision with four-wheeled vehicles will not inflict the same damage to their larger counterparts because they are smaller and usually weigh less. For instance, If a 4×4 hits a 2×2 head, it would be devastating to both drivers and passengers from the larger vehicle (due to the engine size), whereas the 2×2 may slide off or suffer minor injuries.
Low visibility – Two-wheelers are more complicated to spot than cars, even with headlights and reflectors, because they have smaller, rounder bodies, making it harder for others to see. In addition, modern cars tend to have blind spots in their door mirrors and a big difference between the height of the center rear-view mirror and the lower one.
Small safety features – You may not know that motorcycle riders need to be aware of potential dangers. It is because no safety features protect them from impact in the way larger vehicles have.
Types of Motorcycle Accidents due to the Top 3 Reasons Motorcycles Crash
Background Conflict
When a front vehicle pursues a track car to overtake it, it fails to achieve this and crashes into the rear vehicle from behind, known as tail-ending. Although fender benders occur between closed cars, their construction, and the location of their engine, motorcycles may often result in more severe conditions for both the driver and the bike itself.
Risks of Changing Routes
Motorcycle accidents can happen if the rider takes a specific route that isn’t well-thought-out. Consequently, a crash can occur when there is a diversion or a route-sharing incident on one of them. Changing your usual way of doing things as little as possible will help avoid accidents.
Risks of the Left Turn
Motorcycles are a lot like cows. They just run around wherever they like and don’t pay much attention to the rest of the traffic on the road. What’s more, some motorcycles (like young ones) might not come with horns, or they might break easily – so it’s even more challenging to warn others around you that you’re coming! For instance, an oncoming or passing motorcycle gets struck by a left-turning car, resulting in severe accidents. According to the NHTSA, 42% of motorcycle collisions occur by left-turn collisions.
Multiple Vehicle Collision
Such sort of two-wheeler collisions occurs when a car collides. 76% of motorcycles that get into a collision with a vehicle end up sustaining damages in the accident. In comparison, only 7% of those motorcyclists who encounter other motorcyclists in an accident sustain injury.
Swipe aside
The driver fails to check the exit sign on time when the motorcycle lane ends. It is possible for a driver to not see it due to faulty tail light. Even the visual could be preoccupied with another activity resulting in a collision.
Impact on Open Car Door
Such cases can be particularly true in urban areas, crowded parking lots, and areas where people are typically less active. Accidents with open doors are dangerous due to an initial impact on the door itself and can lead to a second incident, such as overturning a car following behind.
Sudden Crash
Motorcycles are widely known for their sudden crashes. You can imagine how dangerous is riding a motorcycle by looking at the crash statistics around the globe.
Such cases can be particularly true in urban areas, crowded parking lots, and areas where people are typically less active. Accidents with open doors are dangerous due to an initial impact on the door itself. It can lead to a second incident, such as overturning a car following behind.
Technical Problems
Mechanical failure can account for 3% of motorcycle accidents like any machine, even with the most fixable motorcycle. Your equipment can be responsible for your improper gear if said equipment is faulty or malfunctioning. Unfortunately, if you ride a kind of motorcycle that has a bad accident history, you typically possess more danger.
Not following Precautions
As most of you know, motorcycles are a standard mode of transportation in many tropical countries like Thailand or the Philippines. However, not surprisingly, riders are put under their fair share of risk due to adverse weather conditions and exposure to pedestrians at intersections – this is why riders need helmets. Riders must follow rules and take precautions if they want to avoid motorcycle road hazards at all.
Hit and Run Events
According to estimates, about 12% of road accidents involve collisions and running. It is bad enough for a motorcyclist. Still, the idea of hitting and running adds even more insult to an already severe injury. It is one of the top reasons motorcycles crash and causes long-lasting consequences. Adding that could increase the severity of injuries or make things worse regarding delays in assistance. As a result, things can get even more frustrating due to this ‘hit-and-run’ situation burdening the victim and law enforcement’s duties.
Drunk Drivers
In 2005, DUI resulted in over 15,000 motorcycle accidents. Of these statistics, 32% of all road accidents and 40% of motorcycle deaths result from drunk drivers or passengers. You may understand how fatal such driving can be.
Uncertified Drivers With Lack of Skills
An uninsured or undocumented motorist is uninsured, does not have enough insurance to pay for damages, or has his claim rejected by his insurance provider. Insurance is vital as it covers 66% of the cost of treating victims of motorcycle accidents. On the other hand, only 22% comes from government funds, and 12% from self-financing.
Uber or Lyft accidents
The ridesharing app also stirred debate between motorcyclists and drivers. Some Uber or Lyft drivers run too fast when running late and have to meet their ride value. As a result, they drive as long as possible because they’re trying to go home with no money in their pockets. Others are distracted by their mobile phones, unaware of the roads, sometimes leading to accidents. As a result, many motorcyclists crash and get severe injuries.
Role of a Motorcycle Crash Advocate
Motorcycle crashes are different and can be much more complex than car accidents. Choosing the right kind of motorbike lawyer can make a big difference. You should know how to proceed with a crash attorney with a bike accident. It is also essential for getting things back on track when life takes an unexpected turn. Significantly, Such legal professionals help good handling in tackling a variety of circumstances. From being in an accident to achieving results that pay you back with cash compensation deservedly – attorneys perform all the tasks. They owe and get you well on your way towards physical and mental recovery.
It doesn’t matter what form of transportation is at the heart of your motorcycle accident. From every aspect, a lawyer helps you determine unforeseen events that may have contributed to the crash. For example, let’s consider road conditions or other vehicle collisions that may have occurred before your accident. A vehicle crash is not abnormal these days, and that’s why there may be various reasons. In this case, you must prove that you were at no fault for the collision.
You’ll need to make sure that you’re going to find a lawyer who can help you with your case. You will need to look at other people’s reviews about them. And don’t forget to look at the reviews to see if they have experience with the kind of case you have.
Conclusion: Motorcycle Road Hazards
Suppose a totaled vehicle or another party’s property is affected where the incident involves two or more cars. In this case, the negligent driver, their insurer, and other parties’ insurers would be liable for damages.
However, in some states, an apportionment or comparative negligence applies to resolve the case. In these cases, the courts judge whether both parties were negligent. The compensation will adjust accordingly. For example, if a driver has caused more than 50% of the accident, this person may not receive compensation. Still, the other driver involved in the accident could receive compensation for their half-negligence.
Other factors might reduce your compensation even if you weren’t at fault for the accident. If riding without protection or, worse yet – intoxicated and riding (which is both illegal and highly unsafe), those facts may reduce your compensation claims. It is because they diminish the extent of injuries sustained in the crash.
I hope you’re clarified regarding the Top 3 Reasons Motorcycles Crash. If you have any further queries, get in touch with us. To get more motorcycle accident case studies, stay with us.