Crash and Burn: The Most Common Locations for Motorcycle Accidents

Many people in Utah own a powerful, two-wheeled speed machine. Motorcycles can be the ultimate source of fun, but failing to take safety precautions can make for a fatal evening cruise. Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injury or death. 

Just a couple years ago, in 2013, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 4,668 people died in motorcycle crashes and 88,000 motorcyclists were seriously injured nationwide. Because of these alarming stats, anyone who owns a motorcycle should pay attention to safety laws and learn about the most accident-prone locations. Here are a few common accidents that all motorcyclists should know about.  

Intersection Collisions

Street intersections are some of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. Particularly, most motorcycle accidents happen in intersections when vehicles are making left-hand turns. Utah drivers should watch for motorcycles going straight through intersections. 

Undeniably, motorcycles are much smaller and less visible than automobiles. They also accelerate at faster rates. Motorcyclists should refrain from speeding—especially on regular streets—to be sure they are visible to all car drivers. 

High-Speed Lane Changes and Splits

Speaking of speeding, cyclists should be cautious when changing lanes on the highway. Traffic jams can be frustrating for motorcyclists who have a need for speed. Cyclists will often split lanes by driving between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving cars. 

Motorcycle accidents happen in these situations due to the closeness between the cars and motorcycle and the reduced space for the cycle to maneuver, says Nolo. Traffic in Utah and nationwide is sometimes unbearable, but cyclists need to be patient on highways. Reckless driving in limited space is highly unsafe.

Fixed Objects on the Roads

Collisions with fixed objects, though less common, are some of the most painful and deadly. Because a motorcyclist is fully exposed to his surroundings, he is more likely to crash and burn. Safety is no joke for cyclists. Wearing a helmet can only protect a rider if he’s paying attention to the roads and other drivers. 

Before taking a leisurely cruise, Utah cyclists need to be sure to stay focused and avoid reckless driving.

Aubrey Andersen-Bakker is a legal writer reporter for Fusion 360, a Content Marketing Agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry.

*Image Credit: The Voice of Nation