5 Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

 Posted on October 06, 2017 in Personal Injury

Motorcycle accidents, although not necessarily more frequent compared to other types of accidents, are more likely to result in serious injury or death. Unfortunately,collisions involving motorcycles and other vehicles account for 56 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The most common types of motorcycle-vehicle crashes include head-on collisions,cars making left-hand turns, motorcycle lane splitting, and even driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Due to the alarming statistics,it is imperative for drivers of passenger vehicles to do whatever it takes to avoid these type of accidents.

Many of these solutions will be familiar since they involve the same type of safe driving techniques which should be used every time you operate your vehicle. However, the increased vulnerability of motorcyclists makes many of these preventative measures even more pertinent in order to help save lives.

The following are five effective tips to prevent motorcycle accidents:

• Maintain a sizeable driving distance - When you find yourself behind a motorcyclist, ensure that you maintain a four-second cushion between your vehicle and the motorcycle. This space provides enough time to react to any situation the road.
• Be conscious of your blind spots - While most motorcyclists try to avoid entering a driver’s blind spot, it may occur from time to time. Always check your blind spots before you execute a turn or switch lanes.
• Use your turn signals - To let others, especially motorcyclists, around you know when you’remaking a turn, always use a turn signal.
• Avoid distractions - Distracted driving has become a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents.Avoid grabbing your cellphone, put down your drink, and leave the radio dial alone so you can focus on the primary task of operating your vehicle.
• Be more careful when you drive at night - Motorcycles can be even more difficult to see at night. When you see a single headlight approaching you in the opposite lane or behind, exercise caution.

Contact our Greenwich personal injury attorneys at Ivey Barnum & O’Mare, LLC for more information.