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Here’s how you can stay safe as a motorcyclist

On Behalf of | Jan 28, 2021 | Personal injury

Accidents involving motorcycles can more easily cause death or serious injury than crashes without motorcycles. Although you can’t always avoid other drivers’ mistakes, you can limit your exposure to risk by educating yourself about some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania.

Left-hand turns are a motorcyclist’s worst enemy

As a motorcyclist, watching out for drivers making left-hand turns is an absolute necessity. These turns pose such a threat because drivers must cross one or more lanes of traffic to complete them. Many motorcycle accidents that involve left-hand turns affect moving motorcyclists.

Even if you’re in a hurry, give other drivers plenty of room. If possible, drive in the right-hand lane. In general, taking extra precautions can also help you avoid motor vehicle accidents.

Road hazards disproportionately affect motorcyclists

You can find grass clippings, gravel and leaves on most roads. While cars and trucks comfortably cruise right over them, these obstructions often mean danger for motorcycle riders.

When visiting a scenic destination requires riding on narrow, poorly maintained streets, avoiding these roads can keep you safe. Instead, try to limit most of your riding to well-trafficked roads that don’t directly border homes or open spaces where grass clippings or gravel might be present.

Exercise caution at intersections

Even if you’ve planned a trip with no turns, you’ll still have to drive through intersections. Unfortunately, intersections leave motorcyclists open to a range of dangers.

Going forward, plan trips around intersections with less traffic. Although you can’t always avoid busy intersections, careful planning can keep you out of harm’s way.

Stay out of bad weather

Bad weather, another type of road hazard, doesn’t mix with motorcycles. Plan your trips around clear, sunny days with little to no chances of precipitation.

It’s not always possible to prevent motorcycle accidents. If you’ve crashed and someone else contributed to the accident, you may want to consult an attorney for help with a personal injury lawsuit.