Nothing beats the freedom felt when you’re riding a motorcycle. With open roads and wind blowing through your hair, the thrill of riding represents the American spirit. Unfortunately, a quick ride can turn into a disaster through distracted drivers and unforeseen events.
At the Law Offices of Erika E. Anderson, our motorcycle accident lawyers in Albuquerque know how devastating these accidents can be. We want you to be as safe as possible on the roads.
Here are some common risks associated with motorcycle riding and tips to keep you safe while on the road.
Common Reasons Why Motorcycle Accidents Happen
While motorcycle accidents can occur for any number of reasons, some common factors lead to most of these accidents.
Motorcycles Are Harder to See
No matter how big your bike is, it’s still smaller than most vehicles on the road. This makes motorcycles harder to see, whether it’s on an open road, during a traffic jam, or on a clear, sunny day.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2020 statistics, 65% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred outside of intersections. Unlike previous years, riders are more likely to be killed on roads than at intersections.
Motorcycles Are Harder to Control Over Road Hazards
While a pothole may be a nuisance to cars, causing flat or bubbling tires, these roadway hazards can make a rider lose control, causing a crash.
Flying debris, oil-slicked roads, and gravel can quickly cause a motorcyclist to lose control. With this loss of control, you may end up hitting a barricade or light post. In 2020, 25% of motorcyclist fatalities occurred when the rider hit a fixed object.
Motorcycles Are More Likely to Crash When Defects Are Present
If the front tire of your motorcycle isn’t aligned correctly, it can cause your bike to shake or wobble at high speeds. This combination of high speed and instability can cause you to lose control and crash.
Whether through manufacturer defect or negligent repair, it’s crucial to find the best motorcycle accident lawyer in Albuquerque if your crash results from a mechanical defect. They’ll ensure you receive total compensation for your injuries and damages.
Motorcycles Are Difficult to Maneuver for Novice Riders
Unlike most vehicles, motorcycles require a complete understanding of how they operate as well as how to safely and effectively maneuver them. Knowing the physics of how to balance, shift gears, and brake is vital to riding a motorcycle.
In 2020, the highest number of motorcycle fatalities occurred in those aged 25-29, possibly indicating insufficient operating knowledge. It’s also important to note that this age group had the highest fatality rates due to speeding.
How to Increase Your Safety While Motorcycle Riding
Predicting and avoiding driving hazards and unsafe drivers on the roads is impossible, but you can implement measures to keep you safer during your rides.
Don’t Drink and Ride
While this should go without saying, the National Safety Council stated that in 2020, motorcycle accident fatalities involved higher percentages of alcohol-impaired riders than other vehicle driver types (passenger cars, light trucks, trucks).
Wear a Helmet
In 2020, 55% of New Mexican motorcyclist fatalities involved an unhelmeted rider. While helmets aren’t required for riders 18 and over in New Mexico, not wearing one means potentially suffering from head trauma and other related brain injuries when involved in a crash.
Go to Motorcycle Riding Classes
If you’re new to riding, taking a motorcycle riding class provides numerous benefits. From learning how to operate a bike to knowing how to share the road with other vehicles, these classes are invaluable to help you ride safely.
Remain Vigilant While Riding in Urban Areas
In 2020, 61% of motorcycle accident fatalities occurred in urban areas. This makes sense since more vehicles and debris are present compared to rural areas. Don’t become distracted while riding, and always be mindful of how others are driving around you.
Make Yourself Visible
Since bikes are harder to see on the road, it’s crucial that you do everything you can to help other drivers see you. Always ride with your headlight on. Also, while it may not look cool, wearing brightly colored vests and helmets will help drivers see you better, especially at intersections.
Always Go With the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Albuquerque
At the Law Offices of Erika E. Anderson, our attorneys are experienced, skilled negotiators that will help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with the best motorcycle accident lawyers in Albuquerque!