People who ride motorcycles know there is a specific thrill and freedom experienced while riding that you can’t get in an enclosed vehicle. A motorcycle touches the road differently and commands a more interactive approach to transportation.
Still, riders are well aware of the increased risks when it comes to accidents on a motorcycle. The open nature of motorcycles makes them inherently less crashworthy and thus more likely to result in serious injury.
Why is a motorcyclist most likely to crash?
While the design of a motorcycle makes them more dangerous when involved in a crash, it also presents extra hazards. Motorcycles have smaller profiles and therefore are harder to see than other vehicles on the road.
It’s no surprise that more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve the rider and another vehicle. Without pinpointing a single leading cause of these collisions, several factors may be present that cause the drivers of other vehicles to be a motorcycle’s biggest danger, including:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Driving while impaired
- Cellphone usage
- Changing lanes without looking
- Lowered profile
While multiple factors could contribute to a collision, the motorcyclist is always at a greater risk.
What can a rider do to protect themselves?
Protective riding gear is a rider’s only defense without the protective panels of a car. A rider can minimize their risk of injury by wearing full protective gear, including:
- Full-length pants
- Gloves
- Motorcycle jacket with armor
- Full-face helmet
- Shoes that cover the ankles
If you’re a motorcyclist who has been involved in an accident caused by another vehicle, find out more about what it takes to recoup fair compensation for your losses.