Many people believe that motorcycles are the most dangerous way for people to get around. But this isn’t necessarily the case. Motorcycles can be a thrilling way to travel, particularly in the summer months and in areas with good weather, like Florida.
Motorcyclists are indeed at a greater risk of serious harm on the roads. With less to shield them from the harsh impact of a crash, it’s common for motorcycle accidents to result in serious injuries. Understanding the motorcycle riding dangers that you may encounter on Florida roads can help prevent devastating collisions.
Dangers Motorcyclists Face
Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcyclists don’t have the luxury of airbags, seatbelts, and other safety features designed to protect motorists and their passengers in a crash.
Motorcyclists can wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet, a heavy leather jacket, pants, sturdy boots, and gloves to cushion themselves. But because they don’t have the physical frame of a vehicle to protect them in an accident, they typically receive the full force of impact, which can lead to severe injuries.
Many of the threats motorcyclists face are created by other drivers. Common dangers include:
- Turning cars – Drivers making turns, especially left turns, may fail to see or correctly gauge the speed of a motorcycle approaching the intersection and crash into them when they turn.
- Panic stops – Cars that suddenly stop can cause rear-end collisions with motorcyclists, which are typically more harmful to the motorcycle rider than the driver.
- Speeding – When drivers collide with motorcyclists at high speeds, the injuries can be catastrophic.
- Opening car doors – Drivers who suddenly open their doors may inadvertently cause a motorcycle accident if they fail to notice an approaching motorbike.
- Unsafe lane changes – Many drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes and can easily miss a motorcycle when they do.
- Bad weather – Rain, snow, sleet, fog, and other conditions reduce visibility and make roads slippery for motorcyclists.
- Intoxicated motorists – Drunk or drugged drivers may experience impaired concentration and altered awareness, causing them to overlook bikers and leading to a motorcycle crash.
- Distracted drivers – Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise inattentive can easily fail to see motorcyclists until it is too late.
Other common causes of motorcycle wrecks may be due to negligence by a city or state government or even motorcyclists themselves.
- Road obstacles/debris – Road hazards and fixed objects can be hazardous to motorcyclists. Poorly designed or maintained roads could lead to collisions with trees or other obstructions, throwing riders from their bikes.
- Impaired riding – Motorcyclists are not exempt from drunk driving rules. They put themselves in danger when they drink or use drugs before riding.
Advantages of Driving a Motorcycle
While there are inherent dangers in motorcycling, motorcycles also have advantages. These include:
- Maneuverability – It’s much easier to maneuver a motorcycle than a four-wheeled passenger vehicle. This makes it easier for motorcycles to get around, particularly in heavy traffic or if the motorcyclist needs to react quickly to a changing traffic situation.
- Field of vision – Passenger vehicles have major blind spots, forcing drivers to constantly take their eyes off the road to ensure that no one is in their path. Motorcycle riders have a much larger field of vision and virtually no blind spots.
- Faster braking ability – Motorcyclists can slow down much faster than other motor vehicles, which can be helpful in stop-and-go traffic.
Talk to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Florida If You’ve Been Hurt
Motorcycle safety is always important. So is compensation if you get hurt in an accident caused by someone else. If you were injured in a Central Florida crash, the legal team at Brooks Law Group has the knowledge and experience needed to investigate the accident on your behalf, calculate the value of your case, and aggressively pursue the financial recovery you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Tampa motorcycle accident lawyer.
