Motorcycle Safety: Lose Control And You Can Lose Your Life

As the weather gets warmer more people will take to the roads on their motorcycles. And a sad fact is that as the number of motorcycles on the road increases so does the number of motorcycle accidents – which are often fatal for the motorcycle driver. Although motorcycle accidents can occur as the result of other motorists on the road, many of the crashes are due to the driver’s losing control of the bike.

On March 12, a northern Virginia man died when he lost control of his motorcycle and crossed the median hitting a jeep that was traveling in the opposite direction. The man was wearing a helmet but was thrown from the bike. Just 3 days later, in the same county, a man died when he apparently lost control of his motorcycle going through a stop sign, crossing two lanes of traffic, and hitting an embankment throwing him from the bike into a tree.

The Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys at Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C. want to help keep motorcycle riders safe by reminding everyone of the potential dangers and how to stay safe on the roads.

Why Do Motorcycle Drivers Lose Control of Their Bikes?

In 2019, 39% of the 5,014 motorcyclists who died in crashes were in single-vehicle accidents. So why is it that so many motorcycles seem to go out of control? Is it road conditions? Is it a driver error? Is it some of both? Here are some of the common reasons motorcyclists may lose control while driving.

• Road hazards: Road conditions such as potholes, rocks, and loose gravel can cause significant problems for motorcycles because of their smaller size and lesser stability.
• Speed: The faster a motorcycle is going the less time there will be to adjust for unexpected road conditions – and operational efficiency may be lost at excessive speeds.
• Driver ability: Inexperienced drivers may be less familiar with handling a motorcycle and may not properly assess a bike’s ability to navigate various road conditions.
• Weather conditions: A motorcycle has to balance on only two wheels and weather that makes a roadway slick is even more perilous for a motorcycle.
• A driver impaired: 42% of the single-vehicle motorcycle fatalities in 2019 were drivers with blood alcohol levels at or above the legal limit.

How to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle?

Improving safety for driving a motorcycle has a lot to do with paying attention and good common sense. Never forget that there is not much between you and any hard surface you might come into contact with if your motorcycle crashes. Take proper precautions such as the following.

• Wear the appropriate safety gear: A helmet, protective clothing, sturdy footwear.
• Drive for road and weather conditions: It is crucial you are alert to road conditions that could create hazards and be able to adjust your driving accordingly.
• Make sure you know how to handle the bike you are riding and that it is in proper working condition.

Even when everything is done to assure a safe ride, accidents do happen. Not all circumstances can be foreseen and sometimes crashes can’t be avoided. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C. can help. Our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys know the issues and injuries unique to motorcycle accidents and are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to obtain the best possible recoveries for our clients. Contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 757-742-6115.