Riding a motorcycle is on the bucket list of most people, mainly due to the cool vibe it exudes. Dark sunglasses, the wind blowing through the hair, and picturesque landscapes are what most people think of when they think of riding a motorcycle. It is what is portrayed on TV and in movies. But the reality is quite different. 

While there is some fun in it, there are also the increased risks of getting into motorcycle accidents that have pretty high tendencies of resulting in fatalities and life-altering injuries. If you are a new rider, here are some common causes of motorcycle accidents you need to be aware of and how you can avoid them.

Poor Visibility

The largest motorcycle is significantly smaller than the average car, meaning its visibility will also be lower, so it is up to the rider to make themselves more visible, thereby reducing the risk of becoming a statistic in motorcycle accidents. Start with wearing brightly colored and reflective clothing at night.

Michigan law is not passive when it comes to rider safety regarding poor visibility. It requires all riders to have their headlights on while operating the vehicle, irrespective of the time of day, to increase visibility. 

Speeding

People who are into biking for the thrill also tend to be speeders, which can be risky. Bikers are required by law to stick to the posted speed limit like other drivers for their safety and that of other road users. Remember, an accident at a high speed has a high chance of the biker dying or suffering life-changing injuries. 

Statistics place the fatality rates for motorcyclists at 29 times higher than for vehicle occupants, which should be enough motivation to drive at the posted speed limit even when your motorcycle packs more power.

DUI

Alcohol’s effect on the brain demands that the person doesn't engage in an activity that requires utmost concentration, and driving and riding are among such activities. It is illegal to get on the road with a BAC level of 0.08% and above because, at this level, the driver is deemed incapable of operating a vehicle safely. 

This doesn't mean that lower limits are safe. Any level of intoxication can be dangerous, and the best rule of thumb for your safety and that of other road users is not drinking if you intend to get on your bike. 

Also, you must have situational awareness because another road user's intoxication can be the cause of a motorcycle accident. While you may not tell who is intoxicated or not, some driver behaviors, such as drifting in and out of lane, erratic braking, and speeding, are red flags to watch out for.

Poor Road Conditions

Motorcycles cannot be as stable as cars because they run on two wheels. This means hitting a rough spot or debris on the road can easily result in a motorcycle accident. There are also hazardous road conditions created by poor weather, such as ice and snow buildup, which make the roads extremely risky for riders and drivers. 

Different hazardous road conditions call for different approaches to your safety and the safety of the other road users. But you can avoid road condition-related accidents by sticking to the posted speed limits, which are the same for motorcycles and cars. You can even consider slower speeds if you are on an unfamiliar road to avoid rude surprises.