Why Are Motorcycle Accidents Worse than Auto Accidents in Cumming?
Motorcyclists are always at risk of severe injuries when they are involved in a collision. Below, we look at why motorcycle accidents are often worse than auto accidents and how bikers can stay safe.
A Lack of Safety Features
Motorcycle riders are often more seriously injured because their bikes do not have the same safety features as motor vehicles, such as seat belts, airbags, and steel frames. In even a minor collision, a motorcycle rider can be easily thrown from their bike. Even with proper safety gear (helmet, motorcycle jacket), motorcyclists are still at a huge disadvantage and far more vulnerable. Once ejected from a motorcycle, the rider is now lying (or skidding) in the road with other traffic. It’s not hard to imagine how motorcycle crashes are so dangerous.
Small But Mighty?
The size difference between cars (weighing 3,000 to 4,000 pounds) and the road’s biggest vehicles, semi-trucks (weighing sometimes as much as 80,000 pounds), compared to a motorcycle (weighing a few hundred pounds), is significant. The bottom line is that motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash than people in cars.
How to Stay as Safe as Possible on a Motorcycle
Most motorcycle accidents are caused by another driver not seeing the motorcycle. To increase the likelihood of other drivers seeing you, for one, slow down. If you approach slowly and aren’t zipping between cars splitting lanes, other vehicles have a much better chance of seeing you. To make sure approaching cars see you, you can also wave or make eye contact. Always turn your headlight on, even during the day. Riding with even just one other motorcycle can also significantly improve your visibility.
Also, wearing bright colors can help your visibility a lot. For example, a brightly colored Alpinestars jacket with reflective strips sewn into it is a much safer option than a regular black leather jacket. Plus, the leather jacket isn’t going to have the elbow and shoulder protection that an Alpinestars jacket does.
Have you ever seen someone on a motorcycle in July in just shorts and a tank top? Of course, sitting on a hot motor while wearing a thick jacket, helmet, and pants during the summer in Georgia is uncomfortable, but, again, we urge you to put your safety first. Don’t let what “looks good” or “goes with your bike” be your decision process for safety gear.
Get the Weather Forecast Before Heading Out
After 2020’s wild weather including tropical storms, tornadoes, thunderstorms, snow, and ice, climate change doesn’t appear to be bringing Georgia more mild weather. So, if you’re planning a long motorcycle trip, be as prepared as possible and check the weather. Today may be better suited for driving your car or truck or taking the bus.
Our Cumming Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Advocate for Motorcycle Crash Survivors
No matter how many precautions you might take on your motorcycle to stay safe, other drivers can be negligent and crash into you, causing serious injuries. At Banks, Stubbs, & McFarland, a team of Cumming personal injury lawyers, we can help if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Contact us at 770.887.1209 or submit this contact form to set up your consultation today.