As a seasoned biker, you know that hitting the open road on a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience like no other. However, it's also a risky one. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are all too common, and the consequences can be devastating for a motorcyclist, who is too vulnerble in a crash with a car or a truck. The impact can be fatal, resulting in an injury or in a best case in a property damage and insurance claim.
However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent the most common type of motorcycle accident. In this article, we'll walk you through some typical scenarios and simple yet effective strategies to stay safe on the road. So gear up and let's get started.
What is the Most Common Motorcycle Accident
This article is written from a perspective of right hand traffic, but same applies analogically to the UK and Ireland.
According to the statistics the most common motorcycle accident happens when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you and this type of accident accounts for 42% of all accidents involving a motorcycle and a car. When a car makes a left-hand turn in front of you, it can be deadly. That is some stunning fact, that one situation accounts for almost half of the motorbike/car accidents on the road. Just by keeping this in mind and adjusting your behavior can greatly increase your chances of staying well.
As a biker, you know that riding a motorcycle is not only a mode of transportation, it's a lifestyle. However, as exhilarating as it is, it's important to remember that riding a motorcycle comes with risks. I personally know two people who got into such motorbike accidents. Both of them ended up in a hospital with injuries, one of them lives with life-long chronic pain …
Variations of the Most Common Motorcycle Accident
There are 3 basic variations of this situation:
A) A car makes a left hand turn into a street or driveway without signaling, while being overtaken by a motorcyclist.
B) A car proceeds to overtake another vehicle in front of it while being overtaken by a motorcycle.
Both of these are terrible situations and the damage largely depends on the motorcycle’s speed and the landscape around, because that is where the motorcyclist will end up. Walls, trees and curb just make the consequences even more ugly.
C) The last situation is when a car makes a left at an intersection without yielding to a motorcycle approaching from the upcoming traffic . This happens mostly because of the car driver underestimating the speed of the motorcycle.
How to Protect Yourself from the Most Common Motorcycle Accident
Knowing these unfortunate stories, I adjusted my motorcycle riding to these situations:
A) I do not pass any cars especially at high speed where I see any possibility of the car making a left. I simply assume that if there is a street or driveway on the left, that the car in front of me might take it without signalling. The rule is always expect the worse, never assume anything. Sometimes it will take patience to wait for the right moment to safely overtake the slower vehicle. Know that adrenalin feeded to you by your motorcycle is your enemy here and you have to keep it under control with discipline.
B) I am being extra cautious when I see a lineup of cars behind a slow vehicle. Before I proceed to overtake more than one car, I adjust my speed to theirs and watch for any intentions of the cars in front of me to overtake the slow vehicle. I move to the left for a while giving the cars some time to see me and hear me signaling my intention to overtake the whole convoy. A loud exhaust is an advantage, but don’t just assume the car drivers see you and hear you. Many times they are busy with something else, or too eager to pass the slower vehicle(s). Once you decide to execute the overtaking maneuver, give the motorbike full throttle and make it as fast as possible to get back in your lane.
C) I always slow down when approaching an intersection, there will be plenty of time for speed once I am clear of it. I look for the eyes of the drivers or at least that they look in my direction and try to keep some options like being able to at least slow down before a hit or swing to either side if needed.
It is always a good idea to pick up a motorbike riding course. It is great gift for a biker and can focus either on safety, motorbike handling skills or both. Furthermore practice regularly off-street on an empty parking lot to improve your skills such as cornering.
Conclusion
Focusing on prevention is a great way to stay safe on a motorbike. However, a responsible motorcyclist should prepare for the unfortunate possibility of an accident as well and here comes the protective motorcycle equipment in place.
As a passionate biker, I know that accidents involving motorcycles can happen at any time and motorcycle safety needs to be my priority. However, there are certain situations that are more common than others, and being aware of them can help bikers greatly to manage the risks of this awesome hobby or lifestyle. Based on the statistics the most common accident involving a car and motorcycle is when a car makes a left hand turn in front of a motorcyclist. In my experience, the other two situations to watch out for that lead to motorcycle accidents are overtaking multiple cars, and cars making left turns without yielding to an approaching motorcycle.
To prevent these accidents, I have adjusted my motorcycle riding habits accordingly. When passing a car, I assume that the car might make a left turn without signaling, and so I wait for the right moment to overtake safely. When overtaking multiple cars on the highway, I always signal my intention to overtake and give the cars in front of me time to see and hear me. I also make sure to slow down when approaching intersections and watch for any cars making left turns. The same principles will help you reduce the risk of any type of accident, like during lane splitting or filtering.
Overall, it's important to always expect the worst and never assume that other drivers can see or hear you. Patience, caution, and discipline are essential to preventing motorcycle accidents. By being aware of these common situations and adjusting your riding accordingly, you can enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of riding without putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Stay safe out there, fellow bikers!
What is the most common motorcycle accident involving a car?
The most common accident involving a car and motorcycle is when a car makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcyclist.
How can I prevent accidents when overtaking multiple cars?
When overtaking multiple cars, always signal your intention to overtake and give the cars in front of you time to see and hear you. Once you decide to execute the overtaking maneuver, give the motorbike full throttle and make it as fast as possible to get back in your lane.
What should I do when approaching intersections to prevent accidents?
Always slow down when approaching an intersection and look for the eyes of the drivers or at least that they look in your direction. Try to keep some options like being able to at least slow down before a hit or swing to either side if needed.
