What are the Most Dangerous Places for Motorcycles?

Jun 26,2017

Riding a motorcycle is an activity enjoyed by millions of Americans, but that doesn’t mean it is without its risks—including the risk of riding in dangerous places. Here are some of the most dangerous places for motorcycle riders:

Intersections: Intersections can pose a serious hazard for motorcyclists. Motorists making lefthand turns are one of the main reasons for this problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36% of motorcyclist fatalities are caused by lefthand turns. Another 74% of motorcycle vs. motor vehicle accidents are head-on crashes. And although drivers should be looking out for motorcyclists, that does not always happen. Protect yourself by staying alert at intersections, and always watch for oncoming and turning vehicles.
In a vehicle’s blind spot: Motorcycles are already tricky to spot on the road. Riding in a vehicle’s blind spot just adds an unnecessary level of danger. Additionally, research by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) reveals that nearly half of drivers fail to use their turn signals before merging. Do your best to stay visible to the vehicles around you while riding, and look out for careless drivers who turn without alerting you.
Roads with poor visibility: Roads with lots of curves and hills might make for an exhilarating ride, but they can also be dangerous. Ride cautiously when you’re traveling winding roadways, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Congested roads: Roadways experiencing a high amount of traffic can also be hazardous for motorcyclists. Motorcyclists can get boxed into small areas that are difficult to navigate. In California, motorcyclists are allowed to split lanes—riding between lanes to maneuver through slow-moving traffic. This can be a good thing in some scenarios, but it can also be dangerous if bikers are not careful.

Even in Dangerous Places, Motorists Must Ensure Safety for Motorcyclists

Regardless of where you are riding, vehicles on the road have a duty to drive safely. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, be sure to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney about your case.

“Motorcyclists should do their best to protect themselves on the roads. However, despite careful riding, motorcyclists can still be injured due to other drivers’ negligence. Our firm is dedicated to helping these bikers in their time of need,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.