What Causes Serious Motorcycle Accidents?

Riding your motorcycle is cost-effective and fun to get around in Ohio. However, the fun and cost-effective aspect comes with a risk of suffering severe injuries in the event of an accident with a bigger vehicle. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA, riders are 28 times more likely to die in an accident than car drivers. Staying safe on the road starts with identifying the leading causes of serious accidents to avoid them. This guide highlights Ohio's main causes of motorcycle accidents and can be an excellent read.

Reduced Visibility

With relatively smaller motorcycles, they easily escape a driver's attention because of the low visibility. Ohio law requires all riders to have their headlights every time they are on the road to increase visibility. 

But besides the mandatory running headlight, you may also want to consider wearing reflective or brightly colored clothes to increase visibility. Also, ensure that other lights, such as brake and turn lights, are working properly for compliance and visibility.

Distracted Driving

Visual, manual, and cognitive distractions are a leading cause of accidents on American roads. Visual distractions take the eyes off the road; manual distraction takes the hands out of controlling a vehicle, while cognitive distraction takes the mind off the road. 

The first step in avoiding distraction-related accidents is ensuring you avoid distraction as a rider, considering you are most vulnerable in an accident. Secondly, you want to be on the lookout for distracted drivers to avoid them. Signs like erratic braking and drifting out of lane can indicate distracted driving. 

Speeding

"Riding motorcycles can be such a freeing experience. With some bikes packing quite some power, it's easy to fall into a thrilling speed trap. Unfortunately, higher speeds mean reduced vehicle control with a minor mistake leading to a serious accident," says Holland Motorcycle accident lawyer Charles Boyk. 

As a rule, stick to the posted speed limit even when your bike could go much faster. Remember, your helmet and clothes are the only layer of protection in an accident. 

Intoxicated Driving

Alcohol, drugs, and decision-making are a bad combination. Driving involves making life-and-death decisions, so you want to be in the best state of mind while driving. 

The legal blood alcohol concentration for Ohio drivers and riders is 0.08%. However, it is important to note that alcohol affects people differently, and the effects of intoxication can affect your driving even with a much lower alcohol level. So avoid any alcoholic drinks if you intend to ride a motorcycle. 

You may also want to pay attention to other road users as their intoxication can cause an accident. Signs of intoxication include erratic braking and acceleration, road rage, drifting out of lane, etc. 

What to Do In a Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents tend to leave the rider with severe injuries. So you first want to call 911 immediately after an accident, which brings paramedics and the police to the scene. While the paramedics take care of your injuries, the police will be investigating your accident to create a report. 

You do not have to depend on the police's report alone for evidence. So, if you can gather scene evidence, for example, take pictures and record video footage of your injuries, motorcycle damage, and anything relevant to your case. 

Talk to a local lawyer if you intend to pursue a claim against the other party, as local lawyers tend to have more insight into local laws, increasing your chances of a fair outcome. For example, if your accident is in Holland, a Holland motorcycle accident lawyer can be an excellent source of insight for your case.