Summer has officially begun so bring on the outings to the lake and backyard barbeques!! When I think of Summer, so many great memories come to mind from camping in Ruidoso to boating at Brantley Lake. For many in our motorcyclist community, it’s the time when the car keys are put aside and that shiny bike is heard roaring down the streets. Unfortunately, with a summertime increase in motorcycle traffic comes an increase in summertime motorcycle crashes. Let’s face it, you risk getting into a collision every time you hit the road, regardless of the vehicle you’re operating. However, those on two wheels are far more vulnerable to devastating wrecks than those on four. Motorcyclists can be difficult to see in traffic, which makes it harder for others to maneuver around them, and when crashes do occur, riders and their passengers have virtually no protection from the force of impact. But if you understand some of the most routine causes of motorcycle accidents, you may be better prepared to avoid them. 

3 Common Reasons Motorcycle Accidents Occur

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of all kinds of collisions, including motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are much harder to see in general, and when other drivers are focusing on anything but the road ahead, it becomes virtually impossible for them to spot nearby riders or maneuver safely around them. Sadly, countless distractions vie for every motorist’s attention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 500,000 people are using a cellphone while behind the wheel at any given moment during the day.  

2. Speeding 

Riding a motorcycle offers a truly unique thrill. The sheer power of the machine roaring beneath you is exhilarating, and rounding corners like a whip becomes a kind of dance between the rider and the road. Unfortunately, the same elements that make riding so thrilling also make it incredibly dangerous. Speeding is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Riders who are traveling too fast for the conditions are likely to lose control of their bikes and end up in a tragic wreck. 

3. Poor Road Conditions 

A pile of wet leaves or a small pothole is all it takes to cause a serious crash. Motorcyclists who are alert and attentive can usually take evasive maneuvers to avoid debris on the road, but only if the motorists near them in traffic are also paying attention. For example, if a rider decelerates and swerves to avoid a pothole but the motorist behind him or her is not paying attention, such negligence could result in a rear-end collision with potentially fatal consequences. 

Although it may be possible to avoid a catastrophic collision in certain scenarios, some motorcycle accidents are simply inevitable. If you were hurt in a crash with a reckless driver despite riding defensively and following the rules of the road, turn to the compassionate team at Balderrama Law Firm LLC. Based in Carlsbad and Albuquerque, NM, this personal injury firm helps accident victims and their loved ones pursue the compensation needed to make their lives whole again. Visit their website to schedule a free case evaluation with a personal injury attorney, or call (575) 234-1111. Be safe out on the road this summer and always keep an eye out for motorcycle traffic!