Thousands of motorcyclists are killed every year in the United States. Though some of these accidents do happen without warning, many motorcycle accident deaths could be prevented. Because they are exposed to the elements, unlike those who travel in a motor vehicle or truck, motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries in accidents. They are also much more likely to be killed when an accident happens. What are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents?
Motorcyclists are not always visible to other motorists, especially at nighttime. Therefore, many accidents are caused because drivers simply did not see the motorcyclists. Motorists should constantly look for motorcyclists on the road, and motorcyclists should wear gear that makes them more visible to others. Brightly colored clothing, reflective clothing, and flashing lights are all examples of items that would make a motorcyclist more visible to another car.
Speeding is also a major cause of accidents. Both motorists and motorcyclists who are traveling too fast cannot react quickly enough when they need to stop. The faster these motorists and motorcyclists are traveling, the more serious the accident will be. At certain speeds, the odds of surviving a crash are very slim.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also a major cause of motorcycle accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol causes blurred vision, reduced reaction times, and poor decision-making skills. Driving under the influence of other drugs, such as certain stimulants, may increase a driver’s risk-seeking behavior—which is extremely dangerous on the road.
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of all accidents, including motorcycle accidents. Drivers who are texting while driving may not see a motorcyclist and cause a crash. Texting while driving is an especially risky behavior since it involves cognitive, manual, and visual distractions. A driver is thinking about the text that he is sending or responding to, the driver must take his hand off the wheel to send the message, and the driver must take his eyes off of the road to compose or read the message.
Many motorcyclists ride in groups, and sometimes someone in the group stops suddenly or otherwise causes several of the riders to run into each other. These incidents can be especially deadly. Groups of bikers should ride in a staggered arrangement and they should pass in formation. Groups of bikers should also discuss their ride before they hit the road.
With a bit of extra care and caution, drivers and motorcyclists alike will be able to avoid accidents. If an accident does occur, however, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney should be consulted as soon as possible to discuss the claim.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Stein & Shulman
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If you were injured in a vehicle accident in Illinois, contact Stein & Shulman, LLC, today to discuss your legal options with a skilled car wreck attorney. You can schedule a case consultation at no cost to you by calling our office at 312.422.0500.
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