How to Improve Motorcycle Accident Safety
There are numerous factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents. Among the most common causes of accidents are the following: road infrastructure, speeding, and drunk or distracted driving. These factors can make any motorcycle rider more vulnerable to an accident. Here are some simple ways to improve your motorcycle safety:
Road infrastructure problems
Researchers have identified road infrastructure problems as one of the most important factors in motorcycle crash prevention. Roads and road structures can significantly affect motorcycle safety, because they affect bikers’ balance and ability to see obstacles. Unfortunately, poor road conditions plague many middle-income and low-income countries, resulting in an even higher risk for motorcycle crashes. To improve motorcycle accident safety, governments must recognize the needs of this particular group of road users and provide funding to make needed improvements.
Speeding
A recent study found that alcohol plays a significant role in motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are speeding account for nearly half of fatal crashes involving motorcycles. Alcohol was a factor in nearly half of fatal crashes for riders between the ages of 35 and 49. In addition, motorcycle accidents often result from drivers who can’t stop in time. Speeding also increases the chances of overcorrecting a driver’s error and causing a crash.
Drunk driving
There are numerous statistics to prove that drunk driving puts our lives at risk. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, a significant percentage of motorcycle accidents result from intoxicated drivers. The most dangerous times to drive while intoxicated are between six in the evening and three in the morning. In addition, drivers who have consumed alcohol are less likely to see pedestrians and cyclists, and they are more likely to ignore traffic signs, stop lights, and posted speed limits.
Distracted driving
The increasing number of accidents involving motorcycles is an indication of distracted driving. Drivers who are looking at their cell phones can fail to notice motorcycles in their blind spot. Distracted drivers also increase the chances of collisions while changing lanes or making a turn. Distracted drivers also tend to weave into another lane. So, motorcycle riders should pay extra attention to drivers who are distracted while behind the wheel. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when distracted by cell phones.
Riding to the right
Most motorcycle accidents occur because the riders involved in an accident did not make the proper decision. Most of the time, they did not see the other vehicle and chose a poor collision avoidance strategy. While this is not always a bad idea, it can reduce the chances of a crash. Here are some tips to help prevent a motorcycle accident. Read on to find out why you should ride to the right to be safe.
Wearing protective clothing
A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of motorcycle protective clothing for injury prevention in crashes. Participants were hospitalized due to crash-related injuries. Although protective clothing failed to prevent fractures, it significantly reduced the risk of facial and soft tissue injuries. However, these findings do not fully explain why motorcycle protective clothing is effective. These findings, however, indicate the importance of wearing protective clothing. Therefore, motorcycle riders should wear protective clothing whenever possible.
Avoiding fog or rain
To increase your motorcycle accident safety, avoid riding in fog or rain. While fog and rain may not seem like a big issue, they can make it difficult to see through your windshield. You should also avoid changing lanes and passing when possible. If you do need to ride in fog or rain, be sure to slow down and follow road markers, which are typically located on the curb side. If you’re riding in heavy fog, make sure you’re wearing a defogging agent on your glasses. In addition, try to avoid stopping on slippery roadways and wait until it’s dry before you put on your helmet.