Most Dangerous Places for Motorcyclists to Ride

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 88,000 people were injured in motorcycle accidents in the United States in 2015. Of course, motorcycle accidents can occur anywhere. But certain areas pose a much greater risk. Read on for more information about the most dangerous areas for motorcycles and how to reduce your risk if you find yourself in one of these places. A MA injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident.

Busy intersections: Intersections are dangerous for motorcyclists, whether or not they are busy. And the heavier the traffic, the greater the risk. Intersections are often riddled with a confusing combination of motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorcyclists, all traveling in different directions and crossing each other’s paths. Five and six-way intersections are even more dangerous. A mix of complex traffic patterns and congested traffic can spell disaster for an inexperienced, distracted, or reckless motorcyclist.

Avoid busy intersections until you have completed adequate training and feel extremely comfortable on your bike. Practice safe riding practices and never allow yourself to be distracted when in, or approaching, a busy intersection. In addition to the risk faced by all motorists in an intersection, a motorcycle’s small size makes it harder for other motorists to see. Use extra caution in these situations.

Congested roads: If you find yourself on a heavily-congested roadway, it is crucial to employ safe riding practices and give your full focus and attention to your surroundings. Motorcyclists can find themselves boxed into small spaces with little room to safely maneuver their bike. In these situations, it can be tempting to squeeze through small spaces, weaving in and out between cars and trucks that are stopped or driving slowly. Avoid this temptation. For starters, the practice of “lane splitting” is illegal in MA. But more importantly, it’s extremely dangerous.

Drivers, who are also frustrated with the congested traffic, rarely expect a motorcyclist to suddenly appear beside them. For this reason, cars may quickly attempt to switch lanes when they see ample space in the next lane. This sudden movement could be disastrous for an unassuming motorcyclist zooming in and out of small spaces. A Boston injury lawyer can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident.

Areas with low sight distance: When approaching sharp turns, or driving on curvy roads, it may be difficult to see what lies ahead. This inability to spot road hazards, stopped vehicles, animals in the road, and approaching cars and trucks can be deadly. When your sight distance is low, travel at a slower rate of speed, and avoid even the smallest distraction. Also, be prepared for whatever you may encounter on the other side of that sharp turn or curve.

Greater Risk Requires Greater Caution

It’s unfortunate but true – motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than other motor vehicles. This is mainly due to their small size and lack of a protective enclosure, but the “recreational” aspect of motorcycles also adds to the danger. We use cars and trucks to commute, not to have fun. Going for a ride, however, can be fun and exciting. It may be tempting to take the curvier roads with the breathtaking scenery, to weave in and out of congested traffic, and to speed on open stretches of road. But beware. These practices can be fun, but they can also be deadly (and often are). The risk of death in a motorcycle accident is 35 times greater than the risk of death in a car accident.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Serving All of MA

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. It is our goal to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can get on with your life. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.

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