There is no question about it, riding a motorcycle is exhilarating. The wind in your face, the open road stretched out in front of you and the promise of adventure around the next bend are some of the reasons why riding a motorcycle is so thrilling for many people. However, part of the thrill that comes with riding a motorcycle is the danger that is also involved which is why safety should always be a priority.
One of the best ways to stay safe when you are riding your motorcycle in Texas is to know the most common causes of accidents. Being aware of the common causes of motorcycle accidents can help you identify a threat and avoid it.
Cars don’t see you
Unfortunately, many drivers are conditioned to see other cars and trucks. This means that they are often blind when it comes to motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists. Due to this blindness, cars and trucks turning in front of motorcycles is a common occurrence. When this happens, many have no other choice than to drive into the other vehicle. One of the ways you can avoid this is to always assume that you are invisible to cars, trucks and even other riders and take your defensive riding game to the next level.
Slick streets
Oil slicks, rain, ice and other substances can also be extremely dangerous for riders. Even if you have good tires and you are going slowly, it could still be dangerous. For instance, water on the road can cover a pothole and if you hit it, you might lose control of the bike.
Blind corners
Coming around a blind corner can also cause problems for motorcycle riders. You mike come around a turn and suddenly find yourself facing a patch of gravel or some other road hazard. If your front tire suddenly connects with a hazard, it could cause you to launch from your bike. Slow down when you are approaching a corner so that you don’t get caught by surprise.
Doorings
A dooring occurs when a person in a parked car suddenly opens the door into your path. This can also cause you to launch from your bike and you could end up with a broken collar bone, head injury or worse. When possible, avoid riding in a lane that is next to parked cars or put as much space between yourself and them. Also, remember the first tip, that you are invisible. In other words, the people in the cars probably are not going to be looking for you before they open the door.
While the above tips can help you stay safe the next time you go for a ride, sometimes it is not always possible to avoid a motorcycle accident with a negligent or reckless driver. If this happens, you might be able to file a claim for your injuries and other damages.