Aviod Common Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents can be some of the most dangerous when it comes to great injury or bodily harm. In fact, a head injury is one of the most common causes of fatality. However, according to RideApart.com, a resource for motorcycle advocates and enthusiasts, there are several steps one can take to ride safely and ensure protection.

The first thing cyclists can do to prevent or mitigate chances of injury is to get educated on the risks of riding and take the responsibility seriously. The second is to wear safety gear. The purpose of wearing safety gear exceeds merely injury prevention. Safety gear can also “make riding more comfortable, put you in better control of your bike, and help you be seen by other drivers,” reports RideApart.com.

The most common type of motorcycle accident occurs when a car turns left in front of a cyclist. It often happens when the driver of the car fails to see the motorcycle, or fails to accurately judge the speed at which the cyclist is riding. Blind spots occur both physically and psychologically, as drivers are most trained to look for cars, and thus sometimes miss the presence of a motorcycle merely because of its size and shape. The best way to avoid this type of accident is to see it coming. RideApart.com notes that, whether it is considered fair or not, a cyclist must develop a sixth sense and anticipate the actions of cars around him. Gaps in traffic patterns, for example, could indicate that a car is preparing to make a left turn.

Another common type of motorcycle injury occurs when a cyclist hits a patch of gravel or sand in the road. To avoid this, a cyclist must give him or herself enough leeway to turn accordingly. RideApart.com advises resisting the temptation to speed around windy curves and highways, even if this takes some of the thrill away from riding. It is better to arrive alive than to wipe out on a hairpin turn.

Knowing what to expect and anticipating danger is the first step to avoiding injury while riding, but sometimes cyclists do not have that option. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a Chicago motorcycle accident attorney today.