Riding a motorcycle is all about feeling free and alive and living on the edge. But, along with that excitement, motorcycles have an increased risk of accidents and injuries. Motorcyclists are far outnumbered by cars, trucks, SUVs and other motor vehicles and many drivers are unaware of the risks facing those who ride.
Although personal injury lawyers are always ready to help you seek compensation after a motorcycle accident in Colorado, it’s in your best interest to educate yourself on avoiding these accidents in the first place. Use the information here to better understand the most common causes.
Vehicles don’t have to be moving to pose a threat; parking lots can be nearly as dangerous as a highway. Many car drivers don’t check their surroundings for danger after they’ve safely parked their car, and that can increase the risk of dooring accidents.
Sometimes, drivers are distracted by texting, talking on their phones, or even checking their shopping lists. Regardless, if they open their door without checking, it’s possible for their door to sideswipe you or for you to drive into the corner of their door. Drive your bike extra carefully in parking lots and never drive between a moving car and a parked car.
It’s tempting to take advantage of the slim design of motorcycles while you ride. After all, your bike can fit in narrow spaces that cars can’t. But it’s probably one of the most dangerous moves you can make while riding.
The danger of riding between two cars is that you’re removing your potential exit paths. You‘re unable to swerve in either direction, and a motorcycle rider is harder to see. It’s very difficult for other drivers to anticipate and react to what you’re doing.
Instead, set aside your impatience, take your time, be cautious and drive safely. Stick to following Colorado traffic laws to lessen your risk of a serious injury in a traffic accident. Remember, lane splitting is illegal in Colorado unless you are sharing your lane with another rider.
Bad weather, as a driving condition, can be hazardous in and of itself. But it can make some road conditions even more dangerous. A good example is that rain can make the roads slick but it can also fill in a pothole with water making the pothole harder to see or make it look like just a puddle.
A typical car weighs about 4,000-plus pounds and is much more able to absorb shocks from running over potholes or debris. But a bike rider will feel the same pothole with much more intensity. Other potential threats include loose gravel, rocks, broken asphalt, and glass.
Be vigilant and give yourself ample space to ensure you have the time to react to road hazards as they pop up. Keep your eyes focused on the road and your surroundings. If needed, stop your bike and carefully navigate around the road hazard.
Inexperienced drivers can also endanger motorcycle drivers including teen drivers, late learners, and senior drivers. It’s hard to remember what it’s like to be a new driver, but this is exactly what you should do. Assuming every driver you encounter lacks the experience to handle stressful situations will force you to become more alert and watchful. It’s up to you to drive defensively while out on the Colorado roadways.
Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with unique risks. Take the extra steps to drive defensively and hopefully, you will avoid accidents so that you can enjoy your hobby long into the future. If you do find yourself in need of a personal injury lawyer in Colorado during your travels, contact The Bendinelli Law Firm, a prominent Denver personal injury law firm ready to work for you!
