Riding motorcycles is a fun and adventurous way to travel, yet it is essential to ensure that appropriate safety measures are followed to avoid a collision. Motorcycles can become involved in dangerous driving situations, easily due to the smaller size of the vehicle, as compared to other automobiles. A study completed in 2006 concluded that motorcyclists are 35 times more likely to get in an accident than people in other vehicles. It is important to know in advance the most common causes of collisions requiring motorcycle accident lawyers.
Driving Around a Corner
When a motorcycle turns a corner, it is difficult to assess how sharp the bend will be, and several collisions end up requiring motorcycle accident lawyers. If a driver turns a blind corner on a motorcycle, embarking slowly and taking proper precautions is essential. Gravel or other debris may be around the corner, which can cause the motorcycle to slide and lose control. When turning, it is recommended to enter a corner at a wide and easy pace and then speed up once the driver can see what is around the bend.
Turning a sharp corner too quickly is another common maneuver that leads to needing a Toronto personal injury law firm. If a driver rounds a bend at an elevated speed, the vehicle cannot recover from the turn and will crash. Taking it slow allows the driver and vehicle to assess the angle of the corner and react with sufficient warning.
Trail braking is a good tactic when turning corners that have a blind spot. It is an advanced skill that requires the driver to use the front brake, which allows for increased contact with the road. This helps the motorcyclist have more control over the vehicle if there is gravel or debris on the road or the turn is sharp.
A Collision with a Car Turning into the Intersection
It is difficult for a car to see a motorcycle when it turns left into the intersection because the motorbike is often in the other driver’s blind spot. 42% of motorcycle fatalities are caused by collisions involving a vehicle making a left-hand turn. It is important that the motorcyclist avoids idling in the intersection in case a car makes a quick left turn. Waiting at the stop light slightly to the side of the lane, rather than in the center, can increase safety and is a recommended maneuver by motorcycle accident lawyers.
A Car Hits a Motorcycle from Behind
Fender benders with a motorcycle can lead to death because the driver does not have the same protection as someone in an automobile. To avoid being hit by a vehicle from behind, a motorcycle can use other vehicles as a source of protection. When stopped at a light, try to merge in front of another stopped vehicle to create a barrier to approaching vehicles. This creates a crumple zone and may help avoid a fender bender with another vehicle.
It is important to drive carefully in a motorcycle and take essential safety measures. If a motorcycle accident does occur and a claim is needed, contact your Toronto personal injury law firm and book a consultation today.
Sources
https://rideapart.com/articles/10-common-motorcycle-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them
https://www.motorcycleaccident.org/main-factors-that-cause-motorcycle-accidents/
http://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/motorcyclists/ride-safe/collisions-at-junctions/