Motorcycle accidents often stem from a few common causes, but you can take simple steps to avoid them.
Riding a motorcycle always carries with it a certain amount of danger, and the number of motorcycle accidents is on the rise both in Tampa and across the country. Of course, this increase is in part due to the growing number of riders, which means that there are many more inexperienced motorcyclists now on the road.
However, no matter how long you have been riding, it is imperative that you always remember to take safety seriously. It only takes one minor mistake to ruin your life forever. Luckily, your bike has effective tools that should allow you to avoid most any common accident, as long as you are prepared for these events and know how to respond.
Here are three of the most common motorcycle accident causes and how you can actively avoid them.
1. Cornering Too Fast
A huge number of motorcycle accidents happen on corners, and entering the turn too quickly is one of the primary causes behind many of these accidents. The rule of “In Slow, Out Fast” is always an important one to remember as entering a turn at too high of speed is an easy way to lose control.
The best way to avoid this all-too-common motorcycle accident is to pay constant attention to the road signs and always ride at a manageable speed.
Of course, if you are riding on a road you are unfamiliar with, you may encounter a blind corner that you did not expect. If this happens and you feel you are going too fast, the most important thing to do is not panic. Trust your bike and try to ride it out.
The last thing you want to do is tap the brakes, pump the throttle or anything else that could cause you to lose traction and potentially lead to personal injury.
2. Encountering Gravel or Other Hazards When Cornering
Even if you enter the corner at the right speed, you may suddenly come face to face with gravel, hay, sand, water or other dangerous road hazards that can cause your bike to slip out from under you. As with above, the best way to avoid this is to ensure you are not going too fast as you should be able to easily avoid the hazard at average speeds.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use a more advanced technique like trail braking to fully avoid the hazard.
3. Oncoming Traffic Turning in Front of You
Another common source of motorcycle accidents is other drivers, especially those who decide to turn left in front of you just as you are approaching. This situation requires immediate action to prevent you from slamming headfirst into the vehicle.
The best possible thing you can do is to always be prepared. This means monitoring the oncoming traffic and being fully aware of any vehicles that could turn in front of you. If you see any vehicles waiting in the turn lane, pay special attention to their wheels. Most drivers tend to turn their wheels just before going, and by spotting this you could earn yourself some valuable seconds for evasive maneuvers.
The second you see someone begin to turn in front of you, immediately take action. Be prepared by having the brakes already covered and actively monitoring the road behind and in front of you. You don’t want to start braking only to have the car immediately in your rear slam into you just as you don’t want to go off into the soft shoulder if it can be avoided.
Generally, the best thing you can do is to try to reduce your speed as much as possible. Your greatest chance of surviving this type of motorcycle accident lies in decreasing your speed, which can only be done using both your front and back brakes. In this sense, it’s imperative that you never lay the bike over. This will not only lessen your ability to slow down, but it will generally greatly increase your risk for serious personal injury.
When to Contact a Tampa Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Whether you are riding in Tampa or elsewhere, it is always important that you take motorcycle safety seriously. This means not only wearing a helmet and proper riding gear, but also being diligent and constantly aware of any possible dangers. That way, you will hopefully ensure that your next ride isn’t potentially your last.
If you have been injured in such an accident, contact the Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo. We will exhaust all resources to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.