4 common causes of motorcycle crashes

Even if you are careful on your motorcycle, other drivers may put you at risk. Passenger vehicle drivers often don’t see motorcyclists, or they overestimate the space between themselves and motorcycles. On the other hand, there is a lot that a motorcyclist can do to avoid common motorcycle accidents. In this article, you’ll learn about the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Illinois as well as tips on how you can avoid them.

Issues on the road that cause motorcycle accidents

The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is a car making a left-hand turn in front of a motorcycle. The car’s driver either fails to see you on your motorcycle or mis-judges your speed and turns in front of you. The best way to avoid this kind of accident is to pay attention and prepare for evasive action.

The second most common cause of motorcycle accidents is a rider hitting a patch of gravel on a blind corner. The secret to avoiding this kind of accident is to go in slow and leave fast. In other words, slow down going into blind corners and enter them wide for the best visibility.

Entering a corner too fast is the third most common cause of motorcycle accidents. Pay attention to visual clues and avoid driving faster than you can see. If you do ride into a corner too fast, take as much lean out of the bike and trust it through the turn.

The fourth most common accident cause is a car changing lanes into a motorcyclist. To avoid this kind of accident, stay out of drivers’ blind spots.

Avoiding crashes

While motorcycles can be dangerous to ride, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. Take a motorcycle safety course, wear bright clothing and ride defensively.

If you ever are in an accident, an attorney with a background in personal injury and accident cases may answer your questions and discuss your options with you. Your attorney may be able to help you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company.