5 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Are you a rider? If so, then you know how awesome riding can be! The sense of freedom is something beautiful, and only truly understood by those who ride.

If you’re an experienced rider, then you know exactly how scary the open road can be. Accidents can be minor or severe, but a motorcycle related accident is anything short of terrifying.
Here are the 5 most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

1. Blind Sided:

Most of the time, the driver simply never sees or hears the rider coming. As a motorcyclist, you must always assume the worst and think that the driver does NOT see you at all – so be extra careful. Be especially careful at junctures and while changing lanes.

1. Speeding:

A lot of riders  feel “the need for speed” – especially newer motorists who are still getting used to the wind blowing through their hair (Hopefully not that’s not case though, since they should be wearing a helmet)!

Speeding reduces the amount of reaction time for both the rider and anyone else sharing the road. This can lead to a loss of control and the inability to avoid obstacles safely.

1. Lane-Splitting:

Lane-splitting. Legal? Sure. Safe? Definitely not. Lane-splitting is practiced by many riders, and although it may be legal… it’s best to be overly cautious if you ever do split lanes.
Most drivers will rarely see you coming and that doesn’t leave you much room for error. Splitting lanes is one of the scarier parts when it comes to riding with other cars on the road, and them being so close to you.

1. Quick, and Dangerous Moves:

Hitting your brakes during a turn is exactly the opposite of what you should do, because it can cause you to lose control of your bike in the process.

In order to avoid this, it’s important for riders to properly calculate their timing and speed when it comes to a turn. When riders come in too quick on a turn, it often results in braking which leads to swerving and wobbling.

So ensure you practice caution and are aware of your surroundings. Pace yourself. It’s not a race.

1. Rear-Ended:

Rear-ending in a car can be a painful experience, but rear-ending while riding a motorcycle…that’s a whole other story.
 If you don’t give yourself enough room between yourself and the car in front of you… if they slam on their brakes and your reaction time is shortened… rear-ending a car can cause serious injury to yourself (depending on the speed at which you’re going), or even worse depending on the circumstance.

So always be safe, give yourself room for error, and again… always be aware of your surroundings.

As you can see, riding isn’t as simple as getting on a bike and enjoying the scenery. It requires your full attention and quick reflexes.

Always be safe, wear full-protective riding gear, be aware of your surroundings… and most importantly – take things slow. Like I said before, this is not a race and your life isn’t worth this one ride.

If you’re a new rider and you’re looking for the perfect insurance coverage that not only takes care of you and your needs, but your family’s needs if anything happens… then call Cullen today at (661) 948-4444 or visit us online at: Get a quick quote with Allstate