So many people love the thrill and fresh open air when riding a motorcycle. Others love the speed and agility of motorcycles. However, with driving a motorcycle comes all the dangers that go along with it. When riding a motorcycle, you are exposed and not protected as you would be in a car. This means your safety is in your hands. You should be educated and constantly aware of the possible dangers you face each time you go on the road. Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to share some of the most common motorcycle accidents and what you can do to avoid them to be safer while still enjoying the freedom of the motorcycle.

Avoid Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Motorcyclist & Other Car Drivers

1. How to Turn on a Motorcycle. Often when a motorcycle makes a tight turn into sand, gravel, or a loose surface at certain speeds, you can wipe out and loose control. Depending on your surroundings, you can run into another vehicle, tree, walls, or other obstructions. To help avoid losing control, you shouldn’t ever make a turn when you can’t identify possible road hazards around the curve. Remember when making a turn, “slow in then fast out”. It also helps when you enter to turn as wide as possible to give you a wider frame. Police officers who ride motorcycles are taught to use the full width of the road even if it means coming outside of a lane. Other similar accidents that occur is entering a turn to fast. Again, never driver faster than what you can see and use the same preventative tips to avoid siding out and being dragged across the road.
2. Motorcycle Blind Spot Mirrors. Another common accident for motorcycles is when another vehicle changes lanes into you. In most cases, the driver just didn’t see you. Perhaps you were in their blind spot or they mistook the position of your motorcycle. It is taught in motorcycle driving courses to identify and avoid each vehicle’s blind spot. Additionally, when passing or riding alongside another vehicle, watch for signals to indicate they are switching lanes. However, we don’t live in a perfect world, and not everyone remembers to use their blinkers. This is why it is important to learn how to read body language of the driver. Watch to see if they look into their side mirror or over their shoulder.
3. Avoid Motorcycle Rear End Collision. Being hit from behind is another common accident for motorcyclists. Sometimes, when you come to a sudden or even regular stop, the vehicle behind you fails to stop in time. In many cases this will kill a motorcyclist. In this situation, it is important for the motorcyclist to watch the oncoming traffic, if the vehicle behind is not slowing down or doesn’t appear to be paying attention. When you think there is a possible collision coming, one option is to pull in front of the neighboring vehicle and let them take the impact. If you don’t have another vehicle to use for a shield, tap on your brake to create a flashing affect. Hopefully, this will get the attention of the on coming vehicle. If they don’t respond, drive out of the way even if you need to drive on the curb.

Motorcycle Towing & Roadside Assistance in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas

There are hundreds of potential dangers a motorcyclist can encounter each time they take to the open road. Make sure you wear proper safety gear and drive cautiously. Remember what you learned during your motorcycle training course and drive safe. For all of your towing and roadside assistance needs, contact Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance today.