what are the major causes of motorcycle accidents?

Maryland residents who own motorcycles love the freedom they get from riding. However, accidents are more likely to happen because of the open design and slimness of these vehicles. Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

LEFT-HAND TURNS

Many motorcycle accidents occur when the rider is in the process of making a left-hand turn. When a motorcycle rider shares the road with cars and other larger vehicles and turns left, an accident can happen when the driver fails to see them while proceeding straight. Sometimes, a blind spot is to blame; other times, an accident occurs because the driver fails to yield the right of way or the motorcyclist doesn’t use their turn signal.

LANE SPLITTING

Lane splitting is a common practice among motorcyclists when traffic is heavy. It involves traveling between lanes and between vehicles and can be dangerous in certain situations. For example, some drivers don’t expect a motorcycle to suddenly appear at their driver’s or passenger’s side. This can lead to an accident that can render the motorcycle rider catastrophically injured. Although lane splitting is legal in some states, it’s illegal in Maryland.

SPEEDING

While riding a motorcycle, it might be tempting to put the pedal to the metal and go faster. However, speeding is one of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents and can result in severe injuries or even death to riders and their passengers. It makes it harder to slow down and stop when road conditions call for it. Accidents can also occur when drivers of cars and other large vehicles speed.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

If a driver is distracted while traveling behind a motorcycle, they can cause a rear-end accident by colliding with the rider. This is one of the deadliest kinds of motorcycle crashes.

You can stay safer on your motorcycle by using defensive driving tactics. Stay alert at all times and ride responsibly.