Now that the weather has warmed up in New Jersey, there’s no better time to hop on your motorcycle and hit the open road. Before doing so, take the necessary time to understand the risks of riding and the tips you can follow to avoid an accident.
Here are five of the top causes of motorcycle accidents:
- A turning car: This is something to watch for as you approach an intersection, as drivers can underestimate how fast you’re moving and how close you are to them. If a car turns left in front of you, you may not have enough time to stop. This can result in a head-on collision.
- Debris on the road: It’s imperative to keep your eyes on the road ahead, as debris, such as gravel, can cause you to lose control of your motorcycle. The best way to prevent this accident is to drive at a speed that allows you to pinpoint hazards and move out of the way when necessary.
- A car strikes you when changing lanes: When driving on the highway, one of your primary concerns should be other drivers changing lanes into you. This often happens when you sit in a driver’s blind spot, so do your best to make yourself visible at all times.
- Rear end collision: This can happen when you’re moving or at a standstill, such as at a stop sign or red light. Protecting against this is difficult, but paying attention to what’s happening behind you may allow you to move out of the way before being hit.
- Slick roadway: It doesn’t matter if you’re driving in the rain or after a storm, you should never lose sight of the fact that slick roadways are extremely dangerous to motorcyclists. In addition to slowing down, make sure your tires have enough tread life.
Even though these are among the top causes of a motorcycle accident, there are other circumstances that can result in trouble on the road.
If you’re injured in a car-motorcycle accident, move to safety and call 911. After you receive medical treatment at the scene and at a local hospital, you can file an insurance claim. This is also the right time to learn more about the cause of the accident, as this will help you take steps toward protecting your legal rights.