In 2022, motorcyclists were 22 times more likely to die in a crash than people in cars for each mile traveled. This isn’t because all motorcyclists are bad at operating their bikes; it’s because riders don’t have the metal shells that protect passengers.
The freedom of riding a motorcycle comes with risks. By knowing what leads to motorcycle crashes, you can better protect yourself from danger.
These are the seven most common types of motorcycle crashes, along with some tips for preventing them.
1. Left-Turning Cars
What is the primary cause of motorcycle crashes? Often, it’s inattentive drivers. This inattention can prove especially dangerous when a driver is turning left.
Some drivers are used to looking for cars, not motorcycles. They can easily overlook you and turn right into your path.
To avoid a crash with a left-turning car:
- Always assume drivers don’t see you
- Slow down at intersections
- Watch for cars that might turn in front of you
- Keep your hand ready on the brake
- Look for signs like turning wheels or the driver looking around
- Use a bright headlight during the day
Being extra careful, especially at intersections, lowers the likelihood of collisions with vehicles by a huge margin.
2. Cars Changing Lanes
You’re riding in traffic, going under the speed limit while following at a safe distance. Suddenly, a car moves into your lane and hits you. The driver may have checked their mirrors but couldn’t see you in their blind spot, or maybe they didn’t look at all.
For safety, avoid riding in blind spots. Either stay far enough back to see a car’s mirrors (so the driver can see you, too), or pass through blind spots quickly. Also, watch for signs that a driver might change lanes, such as checking their mirrors. Other signs are if their car drifts a little within the lane, or if there’s a gap in traffic they might want to move into.
3. Gravel in the Corner
The primary cause of motorcycle crashes involving only the rider is turning a corner and finding something dangerous there. Suppose that you’re leaning into a turn when you suddenly hit gravel, sand, leaves, or other debris. Unfortunately, when you lean your bike, you already have less grip. And when your wheels encounter something slippery, you can lose control completely.
To stay safe:
- Take corners wide so you can see better
- Look as far ahead in the turn as you can
- Slow down before you enter the turn, not during it
- Don’t ride faster than you can see
- Be extra careful after the first rain, as roads are usually slick
These crashes happen because riders go into turns too fast to handle what they find there. Always leave room for surprises.
4. Car Doors Opening
This common city danger has its own name: getting “doored.” It can happen when you’re riding past a line of parked cars and an oblivious driver or passenger opens their door right in front of you, blocking your path.
Follow this simple rule: Don’t ride close to parked cars. Stay at least a door’s width away, plus some extra space. Always go slower in busy districts with on-street parking. Finally, watch for people who are sitting in parked cars because they might be about to get out.
5. Rear-End Collisions
If you stop at a light or in heavy traffic and the driver behind you isn’t paying attention, this creates a very dangerous situation for you. You don’t have the crush zones and safety systems that cars have. Rear-end collisions cause serious injuries and can even be fatal.
When stopping in traffic:
- Stop to one side of the lane, not the middle
- Flash your brake light by pumping it
- Watch your mirrors
- Know where you’ll go in case you need to move fast
- Look both ahead and behind you
Always keep your bike in gear and watch your mirrors until at least one car has stopped behind you. And if you see a car coming too fast, get ready to move.
6. Excessive Speed In Corners
How dangerous are motorcycles? Riding motorcycles faster than your skills allow or faster than the bike can handle is one thing that makes motorcycles dangerous. Many riders die because they go into corners too fast, panic, fixate on the edge of the curve instead of the road ahead, and run off the road or into oncoming traffic.
Slowing down helps, but learning how to take corners properly is even more beneficial:
- Look through the turn to where you want to go
- Gently push the handlebars away from the direction you want to turn
- Gently increase the throttle through the turn
- Keep your body loose, not tight
Regular roads aren’t the place to test your limits. If you want to go fast, go to a racetrack, where there are no oncoming cars and no trees or poles to hit.
7. Intoxicated Riding
A motorcycle fatality is much more likely when alcohol is involved. According to NHTSA data, 26% of motorcycle riders who died in crashes in 2023 had more alcohol in their blood than the law allows.
Operating your bike requires your full attention and your fastest reaction speeds. Even one drink reduces both.
Never drink and ride. This also goes for anything that affects your focus, including fatigue, certain medications, or emotional distress. If you’re not completely focused, you shouldn’t ride a motorcycle.
Staying Safe on Two Wheels
How do many motorcycle crashes happen? It’s not always just bad luck — a lot of crashes can be predicted and prevented. Every rider can make riding much safer through good training, proper gear, and the right mindset.
You can, too: Take a safety course, always wear all your gear, and learn to spot problems before they happen. And remember, the road doesn’t forgive mistakes, but it does reward riders who pay attention. Ride within what you can handle and be ready for the unexpected, and you’ll join the many riders who enjoy their motorcycles safely year after year.
Contact our Personal Injury Lawyers at McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help With Your Case
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