Our motorcycle accident lawyer knows that riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous. That is why riders take extra precautions to ensure they are careful on the road and that other cars can see them on the road. Some of the reasons why riding a motorcycle is more dangerous are:
- They are less stable
Unlike a car (which can stand up on its own), motorcycles are less stable, particularly when turning and swerving. Additionally, when a motorcycle is traveling at high speeds it can even become wobbly. This is why even if one knows how to drive a car or truck, they still need to go to a school, which teaches them how to ride a motorcycle. This is not just because one needs to learn how motorcycles are controlled differently than cars and trucks, but starting them up is different from standard vehicles as well. Overall, learning how to ride a motorcycle and how it differs from a standard vehicle, is essential to being safe.
- They require a different skill level
Just because you know how to drive a car does not mean you can successfully ride a motorcycle. You must get a separate license to ride a motorcycle and go through proper training. As mentioned, motorcycles can be less stable than vehicles and a person is less protected if they are in an accident. This is why riding a motorcycle is more risky than driving a car, because the person is less shielded, outside of their helmet.
- They do not provide proper safety
When you are driving or riding in a car, you have four “walls” and a roof over your head that can help protect you if you get in a crash. Additionally, cars come equipped with airbags for drivers and passengers. A motorcycle, on the other hand, does not have any barriers that will protect you if you fall off your motorcycle or come into contact with a vehicle or object on the road. Because of this, you are much more likely to suffer from severe and permanent damage.
- Hazards on the road
Something that may be a minor bump to a car (debris and uneven roads) could pose a serious threat to a motorcycle because of how much smaller it is. Something that may be a bump on the road to a car may cause a motorcycle to crash.