Motorcycling is fun and a great way to get from point A to point B, but it does have some inherent dangers that aren’t faced by other motorists. It’s important for motorcyclists to be aware of these common dangers while on the road in order to prevent serious injury or even death. Here are some of the most common dangers that motorcyclists should be on the alert for.
Other Drivers
Unfortunately, one of the single biggest dangers facing motorcyclists is other drivers on the road. Not everyone in a conventional vehicle is willing to share the road with motorcycles, even though they are required by law to do so. Motorcyclists should be cognizant of other drivers and the potential for road rage incidents.
Gravel on the Road
Motorcycles are fantastic on well-paved asphalt, but they do decidedly less well when confronted with gravel or other debris on the road. This is especially pertinent when driving through neighborhoods or rural areas where gravel driveways are commonplace. Motorcycles are very prone to losing balance when driving over these surfaces, which can lead to serious injury for the rider. It’s important to pay attention to your surroundings and slow down where needed, though homeowners are ultimately responsible for ensuring that their property does not present a hazard.
Opening Car Doors
Just like regular cyclists, a suddenly opened car door can potentially kill someone on a motorcycle. Dooring incidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death for cyclists and motorcyclists alike. A suddenly opened car door can bring a motorcyclist from moving at speed to an abrupt stop, leading to crash injuries, broken bones, and more.
Drivers Changing Lanes
One of the biggest hazards that motorcyclists face on the road is when the other drivers around them decide to change lanes. It’s very common for motorists to fail to check their blind spots, and this can be many times more hazardous when on a motorcycle traveling at highway speed.
Drivers Turning Left
Another very common situation that motorcyclists face is inattentive blindness on the part of other motorists, specifically when they turn left. It’s not uncommon for drivers to fail to see the headlight of a motorcycle and turn left, right in front of them, leading to potentially disastrous consequences. Additionally, this hazard can also be found when drivers suddenly pull out of side streets or private driveways directly into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist.
If you are a motorcyclist who has been injured by one of these hazards in the state of Arizona, our team at Simon Law Group can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Don’t delay; contact us today for a full assessment of your case and a free consultation!