When you head out on your motorcycle, you probably don't think this will be the last time you ride before a life-changing injury. In fact, you probably feel that others will respect your right to be on the road. Unfortunately, there are some risks for motorcyclists, and crashes can be common because of them. Here are the top three reasons motorcycle crashes happen on the roads.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are one of the top causes of motorcycle crashes. A driver may not see the motorcyclist ahead or could be tailgating him, unable to stop before hitting his rear. Motorcyclists can also end up in rear-end collisions if a vehicle changes lanes too closely in front of them.
Blind Spots
A major concern for motorcyclists is a driver's blind spot. When a person tries to overtake another, he or she may simply not see the motorcyclist in the lane. Because of that, motorcyclists should always ride with the assumption that the other drivers don't see them; that way, you can be prepared to get out of the way if the driver pulls in too close.
Lane Splitting
In some parts of the United States, lane splitting is legal. This is when a motorcyclist and car can be next to one another in the same lane. It helps motorcyclists get around the vehicle and can even make congested areas flow better. Unfortunately, not all drivers are wary of motorcyclists using their lanes, so riders need to be prepared for drivers who don't see them. A simple swerve to avoid debris in the road can be devastating if a driver isn't aware of a rider next to him or her.
Source: GAS2, "5 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents," accessed March 04, 2016