There are many risks for motorcycle riders on the road.
Motorcycles are unique because they are exposed to dangers that people in cars and trucks are not.
Unlike driving in an automobile, a motorcyclist doesn’t have the protection of a metal frame around them.
Motorcycles are also less stable.
Not to mention, they are much harder to see on the road when compared to cars and trucks.
Compared to riding in a passenger vehicle, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to die in a collision and five times more likely to be injured.
In Two-thirds of accidents that involve a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle, the driver of the passenger car caused the accident.
Even as car accident fatalities remain steady or on the decline, the fatality rate in motorcycle accidents continues to rise.
As a result, when you ride your motorcycle, you have to be extremely aware of your surroundings and the hazards that could present themselves.
In the article below, we will discuss the unique road hazards motorcycle riders have to look out for to ensure their safety on the road.
The Most Common Road Hazards Motorcyclists Should Avoid
You have to worry about many more things on the road when riding a motorcycle versus driving a car.
If you are new to riding your motorcycle, don’t assume that you know what is dangerous and what isn’t dangerous.
Even if you think you have phenomenal riding skills, you still aren’t safe from road hazards.
Many things can prove to be catastrophic to a motorcyclist that one might never think to look for, such as loose dirt
Before you get comfortable riding your bike, you need to have a working knowledge of the road’s various hazards.
Rough Roads
This one is a little more obvious than the others you will see on this list.
Any rough or bumpy road, whether it’s from new road work, disrepair, or resurfacing efforts, can cause you to wreck your bike.
Be wary of rough roads as you plan your trips.
Wet Surfaces
Just about any surface has the potential to become wet and slippery due to adverse weather conditions.
Slippery road surfaces often prove dangerous for automobile drivers, but they are even more dangerous if you’re on a motorcycle.
A motorcycle is much lighter than other motor vehicles.
In combination with the inherent instability of a motorcycle, this fact can lead to losing control on slippery surfaces.
This often leads to devastating motorcycle accidents.
If it hasn’t rained in your area for a while, be very cautious when you go out after the first rain.
The first rain on a really dry road is challenging to drive on.
This is because the mud and oil accumulating on the road, when combined with water, turn the surface into a slip and slide.
Railway Crossings
This is another one of the motorcycle road hazards you don’t really think about when you drive a car.
But motorcyclists have to be very aware when they approach railway crossings.
The tires of a motorcycle can actually get stuck in a railway track, causing a very severe accident.
It may even throw the rider over the handlebars.
Some railway tracks also have wood and metal on the crossings between tracks.
These can become very slick when they’re wet.
Wildlife
Although sad for the animal, hitting a small animal in a car won’t cause much damage to you.
A collision with a larger animal in your car, like a deer, will cause damage, but typically, you will walk away unharmed.
Hitting an animal while you’re riding your motorcycle can be catastrophic.
Unfortunately, there is no way to anticipate when or if an animal will run in front of you.
All you can do is be mindful when you are driving through an area known for its wildlife.
It would be best if you also were careful when swerving around wildlife that gets into the roadways.
Swerving into oncoming traffic and causing vehicle collisions will often be much worse than hitting the animal you are trying to avoid.
Gravel On The Roads
Out of all the considerable road risks for motorcycle riders, gravel may be the trickiest road hazard to navigate.
Gravel on straightaways is bad enough.
However, if you encounter it cornering, you are usually in for a bad time.
Winding roads are notorious for gravel.
That’s unfortunate because winding roads are extremely popular among motorcyclists.
However, there are things you can do to lower your risk.
Accidents caused by gravel typically go hand in hand with excessive speeds.
So, no matter where you’re driving, don’t speed.
Do Your Best To Avoid Road Hazards
Although not completely preventable, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe while driving your motorcycle.
The first thing you should do is obey the speed limits.
If you are driving on a slippery surface, through gravel, or in an area known for its wildlife, go even slower than the speed limit.
You also need to be ready to react to your surroundings in a split second.
You may have heard of “highway hypnosis” while you drive your car.
Unfortunately, you do not have that luxury on your motorcycle.
As a motorcycle rider, you must stay alert and focused at all times.
This way, you can avoid things that may cause motorcycle accidents.
Before you go out, check the weather.
We’ve already talked about why you shouldn’t drive in the rain, but strong winds can also knock you off balance.
Certain areas, like bridges, coastal areas, and gaps between bridges can be especially dangerous in the wind and other adverse conditions.
If you do hit a strong wind, try to steer into it to maintain your balance.
Contact The Team At The Angell Law Firm
If you have recently been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may need to speak to a motorcycle accident attorney to see if you have a personal injury case on your hands.
At The Angell Law Firm, we can help victims of motorcycle accidents and victims of car accidents and truck accidents.
We offer free consultations to learn about your case, discuss your rights, and decide whether you may be entitled to receive compensation in a personal injury case.
If involved in a motorcycle accident or any traffic accident, don’t hesitate to speak with Angell Law Firm’s experienced personal injury attorneys.
Bryce is considered a highly esteemed trial lawyer and a passionate client advocate amongst his peers in the Atlanta legal community. Never afraid to go the extra mile for his clients, Bryce Angell works tirelessly to ensure that each client’s personal injury case gets the attention that it deserves.