Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. It is also a dangerous one. Even an experienced rider can become involved in an accident and end up in the hospital. While some motorcycle accidents occur because of user error, many happen due to environmental factors, such as negligent drivers. In general, cars and trucks present the most dangerous hazards on the road.
By being aware of the different ways larger motor vehicles can cause you to wreck, you stand a better chance of reducing your risk while out for a ride. Here are the top ways that cars make the roads dangerous for motorcycle riders.
Oncoming vehicles
It only takes a few seconds of distraction for an accident to occur. For instance, a driver coming in the opposite direction might look down to change the radio for only a moment which is more than enough time to end up in a collision. Even a slight clip from an oncoming car can easily knock you off your bike. No matter the situation, whenever you are riding in traffic, you should assume that everyone else is a potential threat. This means you should always ride defensively.
Intersections and turning cars
Have you ever approached an intersection where a car is waiting to make a left turn and worried that you wouldn’t be seen? Most riders have all had close encounters with cars turning or pulling out in front of them. The reason why intersections are so dangerous for motorcycles is that most people operating a car or truck are looking for other cars or trucks and not for motorcycles. When you are riding through an intersection, it is vital to ramp up your alert level to avoid a negligent driver.
Doorings
Dooring accidents happen when a driver parked on the side of the road opens the car door right into the path of a motorcycle, pedestrian or cyclist. You may have even already had a close call with a car door while riding through Hayward.
When you are riding next to parked cars, watch for drivers and passengers that are still in the vehicles. A slight head turn might be an indication that a car door is about to open. Unfortunately, a cursory glance is often not enough for a driver to make a full evaluation of what is approaching before he or she opens a car door.
As a motorcycle owner, it is vital to be aware of what traffic is doing to limit your chances of an accident. However, it is impossible to control what other people do on the road and there may come a time when you cannot avoid a collision. If you suffer an injury due to a motorcycle accident with a negligent driver, you might be able to file a claim for compensation for your losses.