The number of motorcycles on the road is rising. In 2017, close to 850,000 motorcycles traversed California roads. With an increase in motorcycles on the road, there’s also an increase in the risk of motorcycle accidents. If you are a motorcyclist in California, avoid high-risk factors to minimize the chances of a California motorcycle accident.
High-Risk Factors to Avoid as a California Motorcyclist:
There are a few common high-risk factors or dangers you should be aware of and take care to avoid if you are riding a motorcycle in California.
1. Blinds Spots: A lot of things are within your control as a California motorcyclist, but one thing you’ll never be able to control is other drivers on the road. Motorcycles, the smaller vehicle in almost any road altercation, tend to be overlooked by other drivers, particularly when a motorcycle is driving in another vehicle’s blind spot. Drivers who quickly glance back before changing lanes or completing a turn could easily collide with a motorcycle in their blind spot. Motorcycle riders should always stay vigilant when riding and pay attention to the drivers near them on the road.
2. Line-Splitting: In California, motorcyclists are permitted to lane-split, so most people assume it must be reasonably safe. When lane-splitting is done correctly, it can be safe, but other vehicles pose a danger to lane-splitting motorcycle riders. When other drivers are not paying attention or another car swerves unexpectedly, a motorcycle crash can become very likely. When lane-splitting in California, always do so with extreme caution and follow the rules. While lane-splitting is allowed in California, it’s only allowed when traffic is slow or at a standstill.
3. Speeding: If a motorcycle or another vehicle is speeding, the risk of an accident significantly increases. When a car is speeding, the amount of time a driver has to react to sudden changes in traffic decreases. In an emergency, speeding drivers have less time to slow down. When speeding causes an accident, any motorcyclist involved in the incident is likely to be seriously injured. Avoid the dangers associated with speeding - always follow the speed limit on California roads.
4. Dangerous Conditions on the Road: Motorcycles do not handle hazardous conditions on the road as efficiently as larger vehicles. Road hazards that can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists include gravel, debris, potholes, and oil spills. These common roadside hazards can easily throw a motorcyclist from their bike and potentially cause catastrophic injuries.
If You Are Injured in a California Motorcycle Accident:
If you are a motorcyclist in California, take extra precautions when riding. Taking extra precautions won’t always keep you out of accidents, so it’s also important to know what to do if you are in an accident and you sustain an injury. If you are in a California motorcycle accident, call 911, seek medical treatment, and contact a local motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
If you are injured in an accident and need to file a California personal injury claim, you want Moss Bollinger, Sherman Oaks, California personal injury attorney, on your side. He’s dedicated to protecting and asserting the rights of his clients. Call 866-942-7974 today for a free consultation or contact us online.