Riding a motorcycle is a great pastime, but everyone knows that it can also be an extremely dangerous mode of transportation if you’re not careful enough.

Experienced motorcyclists are aware of the possible hazards they face while on the road, but that may not be the case for new riders. Here are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them:

Cause 1: A Car Turns Left In Front Of You

This is the most common accident involving motorcycles. Your vehicle is small, so the car in front of you might be unable to see you well. Once the car turns in front of you at an intersection, you know what is bound to happen. Possible causes for this are inattention, distraction, and blind spots.

The vehicle that hits the other while making a turn will be found at fault for the accident. However, if you were found speeding or if you’re in the wrong lane, you may be partly at fault for the crash.

How To Avoid This Accident

Be as perceptive as you can be. Motorists need to be able to anticipate the other driver’s next move. Keep your eyes peeled for signs that the vehicle in front of you might turn.

Watch out for the behavior of other vehicles in the road. If you notice either of these, begin to slow down: a car is at an intersection waiting to turn or there’s a gap in traffic in front of you while someone is waiting to go.

If at all possible, try to make eye contact with the other driver. This allows them to become aware of your presence.

Cause 2: Riding While Intoxicated

If you’ve caused an accident while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may face both civil and criminal liability. Remember that motorcycles don’t provide as much protection for the rider, so crashes involving intoxication are more likely to result in serious injury or even death.

How To Avoid This Accident

This situation is nothing but a product of negligence. Do not ever drink and ride.

Compared with driving a car, riding a motorcycle needs a lot more skill and coordination. Even the smallest amount of alcohol or drugs in your body can impair your ability to operate your motorcycle safely and effectively.

Cause 3: Head-On Collisions

This kind of accident is the most fatal among all other types of motorcycle crashes. When a car hits a motorcycle head-on, both vehicles are usually at high speeds. However, it’s the motorcyclist who will most likely sustain serious injuries.

The most common reasons for head-on collisions are:

● Driver Fatigue
● Distracted Driving
● Beating A Red Light
● Speed
● Passing On A Two-Lane Road
● Driving While Impaired

How To Avoid This Accident

When you’re on the road, remind yourself over and over again that you have to drive your motorcycle proactively and defensively to avoid any accidents. Observe the road around you, and see if there are any hazards that may cause disaster.

Be in the right lane to avoid accidental lane changes. Most importantly, reduce your speed especially if you notice the other car swerving or not paying too much attention.

Cause 4: Road Conditions

In comparison with cars and other vehicles, motorcycles are more at risk when facing potentially dangerous road hazards. The smaller size of the motorcycle makes it less stable when there are potholes, wet pavement conditions, uneven heights, dead animals, and other unexpected objects on the road.

How To Avoid This Accident

Slow down and proceed with caution. Make sure the tires you’re using are in good condition and with excellent tread. Your tires will be able to handle it even if the road is slippery.

Your safety and even the safety of others are in your hands when you hit the road with your motorcycle. Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones are just some of the consequences you may sustain when riding haphazardly.

If you or someone important to you has been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury lawyer now.