Motorcycles are a great way to get around town, commute to your job or just have a good time. Yet along with the joy of motorcycling come significant responsibilities and risks.
Motorcycle riders have to travel alongside cars and trucks, not all of which accord a motorcycle and its rider the consideration they deserve.
How dangerous is riding a motorcycle?
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it can be quite hazardous. The NHTSA points out that motorcycle accidents tend to be very serious. Approximately 5,000 motorcycle riders lose their lives annually in the United States. More than three-quarters of motorcycle collisions cause death or injury.
What steps can you take to avoid a wreck?
You do have a degree of control over some factors that often result in motorcycle accidents. Steps include:
- Caring for your motorcycle properly
- Never riding when overly fatigued
- Never riding after taking medication can slow your reflexes and impact your ability to fully concentrate.
- Moderating your speed based on road issues like gravel, experience or bad weather
- Watching the road at all times and keeping distractions to a minimum
- Never drink alcohol before riding.
That last item is particularly important. The NHTSA states that nearly half of motorcycle riders who had lethal crashes had been drinking.
You can only control what you do, not what other drivers do
Following safe motorcycle operating practices may not be enough to prevent you from having an accident and being hurt. Other drivers can be careless, inattentive, have too much to drink or be unwilling to treat a motorcycle rider with courtesy. The bottom line is to know what options exist for compensation if you are hurt in a crash.
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