Motorcyclists have a lot of fun out on the road. However, the substantial rate of accidents, both fatal and catastrophic, is rising. Two big factors in the majority of motorcycle collisions are speeding and cornering. What role do these two things play, and why are they the biggest threat to the safety of motorbike riders in the USA?
Why Speeding is Dangerous on a Motorbike
Speeding on a motorcycle is never recommended. They are bound by the same laws as other road users, and it is even more important they stick within the legal limits. When you drive too fast on a smaller vehicle like this with so much power behind it, you are exposed to a phenomenal number of dangers and you could get seriously injured.
Increases the Chance that a Driver Loses Control
When a motorcyclist loses control, they can be flung from the vehicle, become crushed underneath it, skid across the road, or hurt another person in their path. The possibility of dying or killing someone is higher than in any other circumstance, and there is a whole load of catastrophic injuries that may occur as well. Traumatic Brain Injuries and broken bones are just two of the most common consequences of this type of accident, and these are arguably life changing. It could mean time off work and a significant hit to your financial situation.
Harder to Spot Hazards
When going at top speeds, there is no real way to spot hazards in good time. Things are flying past your vision so quickly that it is often too late to stop or avoid something in the road when you are speeding on a motorcycle. Hazards are even more of a threat to motorbike riders because of the increased exposure. You do not have the outer casing that a car provides to shield your body, and you could be thrown a great distance if you get it wrong.
Difficult to Maneuver
Speeding also makes regular maneuvers like switching lanes or turning corners harder. Even if a complete loss of control doesn’t take place, there may be a temporary lapse that creates a dangerous situation that could be just as perilous. Handling a motorcycle safely requires a lot of subtle movements and complete concentration, and every twist or turn you make is made more difficult when high speeds play a part.
How Cornering Impacts a Ride
Cornering is just another way to describe turning into a corner on a motorbike. It requires precision and skill, alongside experience and the ability to assess the environment carefully in a short space of time. When done right, it is absolutely fine, but make one small mistake and the consequences are severe.
What makes it more difficult to complete a cornering maneuver safely?
Driver Inexperience
The longer you ride, the bigger your experience and knowledge get. You will become more capable of handling things like cornering if you have been riding for a long time. New motorcyclists have not had enough practice on the variety of terrains that they may face out in the real world, and this is a significant risk factor.
Going too Fast
Speeding and cornering are often a fatal combination. It is very easy to misjudge the precision and timing when leaning into a corner if you are going too fast, and one tiny mistake will be enough to bring a rider off their bike and into the road.
Weather Influence
The weather also has a part to play. For example, if it is raining heavily or the sun is shining too brightly, visibility is impaired. When you can’t see clearly, you can’t act safely. The roads may also respond to adverse weather by becoming slippery.
Hidden Potholes
There are always going to be hidden potholes when you’re riding about. While these are unfortunate, if you are paying attention and driving at the right speed, they are often avoidable through quick reactions and careful movements. Cornering, especially when it is too fast, does not allow a rider to be careful or responsive.
When Speeding and Cornering Combine
The facts speak for themselves: cornering and speeding do not mix. Speeding is illegal and cornering is not, but when the two things collide, collisions are highly likely. Speeding laws are largely the same for bikes as car drivers and other road users, but bikes are more susceptible to the dangers of high speeds.
Who Is More Likely to Experience a Motorcycle Accident?
There are certain groups of people who are more likely to become a victim of a motorcycle accident. Young drivers, for example, don’t have the right level of experience to carry out successful maneuvers because they haven’t had enough time to practice. Speeders, drunk drivers, and people who switch the engine on and set off despite feeling too tired are also big risk categories to observe.
What Are the Grounds for a Successful Motorcycle Accident Claim?
If you have been involved in an accident and are looking to make a claim, our team will look at three big things. Firstly, who was to blame when the incident took place? Secondly, are you culpable as well? Thirdly, were there any extenuating circumstances that led to the collision? If you were speeding or acting dangerously while cornering, it is still possible to claim compensation in some cases. Regardless, make sure you keep a clear tab of evidence about your injuries, any facts that will help your account of events, and financial losses incurred since the event took place.
Motorcyclists need to pay attention, drive safely, and be responsive to the surrounding environment. When speeding or inefficient cornering occurs, the risks of a serious incident taking place are significant. Speed limits exist for good reason, and breaking the law combined with cornering should never happen despite the fact that it does.
Kyle Pieter has a wealth of experience and knowledge about motorcycle accidents. If you or a loved one are the victim of dangerous driving, get in touch.
The Law Offices of Kyle Pieter are found at 814 S Church St. Suite 210, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.
Make an appointment today: call now for a free consultation on (615) 806-6561.
