Top 10 Most Common Motorcycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Being a motorcycle owner, you must be aware that motorcycle accidents are the biggest concern among riders. Massive motorcycle accidents can be the cause of severe injuries and even death. According to the Government of India, 4,61,312 road accidents were reported. Out of which the number of fatalities is 1,68,491 and 4,43,366 persons were injured [1].

However, don’t worry; following some measures will prevent you from facing fatal accidents. Although motorcycle riding is fun, don’t just go after speed. As motorcycle accidents are increasing thick and fast, smart riding and decision-making are essential in this respect. Since motorcycle riders have less protection than cars, drivers should be extra cautious.

Understanding everything related to motorcycle accidents is significant in the present scenario. You are not alone; many bike riders are also facing the same problem. This article is dedicated to all of those motorcycle owners. This write-up explains not only the top 10 most common motorcycle accidents but also how to avoid them.

Top 10 Most Common Motorcycle Accidents:

There are several types of motorcycle accidents that occurred, but we will focus on the top 10 most common motorcycle accidents. Let’s start:

1. Sharp Bend Accidents:

First things first, one of the most common motorcycle accidents is sharp bend accidents. This cornering accident can turn your joyful ride into a disastrous one. For instance, while you are bending a corner too fast and all of a sudden, your motorcycle starts to slide. Without realising this, you lose control and face the accident.

To avoid this, the drivers should take preventive measures. These precautions include reducing the motorcycle's speed, leaning the bike properly, gazing through the corner if no one is in front of you, and using a lower gear.

2. Lane-Switching Accidents:

Motorcycle drivers have often committed this accident by switching or splitting lanes. The collision happens when another vehicle suddenly enters your lane, or you change lanes. Many motorcycle drivers have the habit of zipping between two cars in slow traffic or at a signal, which also increases the chances of motorcycle accidents.

If you follow these steps, then you certainly stay away from potential accidents and these are:

• Avoid using blind spots where you and other vehicle drivers see you. This blind spot awareness will keep you safe and secure.

• Use mirrors to monitor the vehicles behind, and always look back before splitting lanes.

• If a vehicle shifts to your lane, use horns because a quick honk alerts them.

3. Rear-End Collisions:

Most of the time, rear-end collisions happen during a traffic jam. At the time of slowing down when seeing a stop sign, suddenly, a vehicle crashes you from behind. Not only in traffic jams, a vehicle can hit you anywhere while the driver doesn’t see you braking. Many such motorcycle accidents take the lives of plenty.

Maintaining a safe distance between you and other vehicles and using the brake lights protects you from this accident. Another way is to avoid sudden stops and watch the mirror before stopping the bike.

4. Left-Hand Turn Accidents: 

This is so alarming that more than 50% of motorcycle accidents are due to the left turn of the vehicles. Suppose you are going at a steady speed, and out of nowhere, a vehicle turns left and collides with you. It could be a severe incident if you are not careful.

Now, the question arises: how to avoid it? Always expect a vehicle to turn at the intersection of a road and follow the tell-tale signs. Additionally, position yourself so that you can see the upcoming vehicle as much as possible.

5. High-Speed Collisions:

Nowadays, high speed is the worst ever road accident. As the motorcycle drivers drive their bikes at higher speeds, they often lose their control. Control will never be the same at 30 kmph and 60 kmph. Overspeed reduces the reaction time, and the driver crashes into other vehicles, dividers, or a wall.

Several methods must be taken to avoid this kind of motorcycle accident. Decreasing aggressive driving, implementing emergency braking, and checking the road's surroundings are necessary measures to prevent accidents. In addition, the drivers should see the speed limit guide while driving.

6. Open Door Accidents:

Opening the car door suddenly in the middle of the road or in the parking area creates chaos and can cause an accident. This door opening is an obstacle, and you can get scratched on your motorcycle and fall down as well.

All motorcycle drivers can follow these tips:

• Keep a safe distance from the cars that are in front of you.

• Watch the movement of the car carefully and drive accordingly.

• Using the horn if such a chaotic situation arrives.

7. Wet or Slippery Road:

Especially in the rainy season, the road becomes wet and the chance of skidding increases. As a driver, you also may have experienced the same. As soon as the roads get wet and greasy, maintaining the bike’s control becomes harder.

Slowing down the speed of the motorcycle and usage of proper (quality) tiers play pivotal roles in escaping motorcycle accidents. Moreover, watching the patches of water and reducing the speed is too significant. It would help if you avoided the sudden movement as well as using brakes frequently.

8. Drink and Drive:

Drinking is injurious to health, and it’s very true in this regard as well. The reflexes, decision making and coordination decrease after taking alcohol. On the other hand, drinking and driving is a criminal offence, and you have to face penalties or imprisonment.

To avoid imprisonment and motorcycle accidents, don’t drink before driving the car. Even if you drink, then don’t drive the bike. Educating any driver in this aspect is essential in this case.

9. Group Riding Accidents:

Riding in a group is a fun ride, but it can also cause fatal road accidents. The reason behind this is racing among the riders and showing their driving skills. Poor communication and coordination are the two significant causes of these motorcycle accidents. 

Hence, at the time of the next group riding, maintain a safe distance and communicate well with fellow riders. Additionally, a unified speed also helps you to escape from accidents.

10. Motorcycle Defects:

Numerous motorcycle accidents are going on due to some technical defects. Whether it is the front brake locked up or punctured tyres, it crashes your bike. Motorcycle defects are the silent killer in the accident. You don’t know when it will happen.

Checking the brakes, tires, and engine oil is the must thing to do in order to avoid the fatal incident. If you follow these things, you will save yourself eventually.

Importance of Defensive Riding:

As far as driving is concerned, defensive driving is a phenomenal skill to have. As a motorcycle driver, you should have had this skill because the bike has far less protection than the car. Defensive driving has many things included, such as keeping a safe distance, looking around the surroundings, and hazardous things on the road.

By practising defensive riding, you can effectively minimise the risk of motorcycle accidents. This measure enables you from colliding with vehicles, falling and getting injured. Defensive riding makes you visible to other riders and alerts them accordingly. Any rider should integrate this skill into their riding as soon as possible. Ultimately, it’s a great awareness to incorporate in your mind while driving a motorcycle.

FAQs:

1. What is the most common motorcycle accident?

A: The most common type of motorcycle accident is a left-turn accident. More than half of the accidents are caused by left-turn accidents.

2. How can one avoid motorcycle accidents?

A: Several precautions, such as avoiding lane shifting, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, driving in control, not drinking and driving, and following the traffic rules, will save you from accidents.

3. Is defensive driving needed while driving the motorcycle?

A: Yes, defensive driving lessens the chance of being involved in a motorcycle accident. So, you feel safer and more secure while riding the bike.

4. Is lane shifting safe in a motorcycle ride?

A: Generally, lane shifting is dangerous for the bike riders. If you have committed this mistake, use indicators and horns to keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

5. How to avoid motorcycle accidents on a hazardous road?

A: On a road full of potholes, debris or wetness, you must reduce the motorcycle speed significantly. This slowdown has deteriorated the chance of accidents.

Reference

1. www.morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/RA_2022_30_Oct.pdf