Motorcycle accidents in the San Fernando Valley can occur when you least expect them, which is why being prepared makes sense. Half of motorcycle accidents are not significant, and a rider can walk or ride away–and half result in long hospital stays or even death. Certain factors, such as being a newer rider with fewer than five months of experience, or riding a new bike for the first time, can increase the likelihood of getting hurt.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
Riding carefully with awareness is key. In fact, statistics have shown that completing safety trainings can significantly reduce the likelihood of accident or injury among motorcycle riders. Here are common causes of motorcycle accidents in the San Fernando Valley, and what you can do to prevent them:
– Failure to use front brakes: Most motorcycle accidents occur at 30 miles per hour or slower–and they are still unavoidable. Some riders are worried about flipping their brakes, so they simply do not use their front brakes. Get in the habit of using your front brakes: consistently counting on the rear brake increases the risk of fishtailing.
– Riding under the influence: If you are going out and planning to ride home, make a plan about what might happen if you end up drinking too much. In that instance, you will be unable to safely ride home, and you should get a ride with a friend or from a taxi and pick up your bike once you are sober enough to ride again. Being prepared before you get on your bike at the end of the night is crucial for protecting yourself and others.
– Failure to wear protective gear: Many emergency room doctors report treating road rash, friction burns, and cuts and abrasions to knees, hands, and elbows in motorcycle accident victims. Invest in thick armored riding jackets, leather pants, chaps, gloves, steel-toed boots, and a proper helmet to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
– External causes: Defective motorcycle brakes, faulty or low tires, animal activity (such as when a bird hits a rider in the face), poor weather, or oil slicks may all increase the risks of motorcycle riding. Be vigilant for things like bumps in the road, potholes, or even pedestrians entering the roadway or veering into traffic. Ride defensively and be on alert for factors beyond your control that may still interfere with your ride.
– Solo crashes: Studies have shown that one-fourth of motorcycle accidents are solo accidents, where only the bike is involved, and of those, more than two-thirds are caused by the rider’s negligence. The biggest cause of solo crashes is sliding out, from improper use of brakes, or taking corners at an unsafe speed, given the weather and road condition.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact San Fernando Valley auto accident lawyer Barry P. Goldberg today.
