Motorcycles have become a pretty popular way to get around in the country. In California alone, there are over 790,000 registered motorcycles. This number is set to increase as more people choose the convenience and the fun that comes with getting around on a motorcycle. But despite these increasing numbers, there are countless myths and misconceptions that float around not just about motorcyclists, but also the accidents they’re involved in.
Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than normal car passengers. Some of these accidents are caused by the lack of awareness from other road users which is why we compiled and debunked five common myths about motorcycle accidents below:
Most people associate motorcycle riding with young, reckless punks doing it for the sake of thrill. They also believe that these young reckless riders are the reason behind the increasing number of motorcycle crashes. But this is far from true. The truth is, motorcycle enthusiasts come from a diverse array of backgrounds, and are not just young, reckless punks.
Also, if statistics are anything to go by, other road users are the predominant reason behind the increasing number of motorcycle crashes. Data compiled by HG.Org shows about ¾ of motorcycle crashes usually involve collisions with other motorists, mostly passenger vehicles. Most of these crashes occur because other motorists fail to detect and recognize motorcyclists in traffic.
Most people believe that in the event of an accident, a motorcyclist’s helmet increases the likelihood of a neck fracture because of the weight it puts on your head. Others believe that helmets make it difficult for the rider to see, hear, or detect danger.
Both beliefs are a myth.
Helmets have been proven as the single most effective way to reduce head and neck injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes. Also, helmets don’t block out the rider’s ability to see or hear danger. If anything, they do the opposite.
The helmet’s visor protects the rider’s eyes from wind and other debris allowing them to see the road ahead better. It also reduces wind noise so the motorcyclists can hear better while on the road. Additionally, by reducing wind and noise pressure, helmets have the added advantage of preventing rider fatigue. In other words, helmets are the easiest and most efficient way for motorcycle riders to stay safe on the road.
A majority of motorcycle crashes are usually serious and fatal, but minor crashes are also commonplace. When these minor crashes occur, most people will advise the rider to skip hiring an attorney because the process of settling such claims is simpler.
However, regardless of how minor the crash was, every rider deserves to get their full compensation. If you skip hiring a motorcycle accident attorney and choose to settle on your own, there’s a high chance you will not get the fair amount.
But when you hire an attorney, they’ll advise you on the compensation you deserve, and guide you on how to go about the claims process.
Laying it down, or intentionally falling over sideways in the event of a crash is a popular trick used by actors in action movies. People believe that laying it down can prevent motorcycle crash injuries.
However, this trick only works in movies.
As with any other accidents, motorcycle crashes happen too fast, and too unexpectedly that the rider usually has no time to think about intentionally falling over. Besides, if a rider has the time to lay down, then holding their breaks or reducing their speed would be a more sensible thing to do because rubber stops better and faster than the plastic or metallic parts of a motorcycle.
Need a motorcycle accident attorney in California? Contact RS Law Offices today for an obligation-free consultation.
blogs
How Truck Accidents are Different from Car Crashes
Even though all types of auto accident are dangerous and have the potential to cause life-altering injuries, truck accidents are nearly, if not always catastrophic or fatal. Unfortunately, they’re becoming quite common. According to the Truck Safety Coalition, about 5,000 people died in truck crashes last year, marking a 46% increase in truck crash deaths […]
Keeping Older Drivers Safe
A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]
Stay Safe in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
In the history of cars, hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are still essentially brand-new. With new technology comes a new way to look at transportation. This includes an eye toward safety – anything new in automobiles is going to require a new understanding of how they work, what the dangers are, and how to maintain […]
Dealing with Dog Bites
Dog bites, dog attacks and maulings by dogs are a problem the world over. Sometimes these injuries can be fatal. They tend to affect children most (most children have been bitten by a dog they know by age 11), but can happen to anyone. It can be helpful to understand some techniques for avoiding dog […]
5 Things Cyclists Should Do After a Bike Accident in California
Biking, especially on a highway, is a fun and an adrenaline-filled way to keep fit and explore what California has to offer. At the same time, it’s also a dangerous activity as the chances of being rear-ended by a motorist in California are pretty high. Unfortunately, when a bicycle accident happens, most cyclists often have […]
Defensive Driving in Arizona
Learning to drive defensively can be an effective skillset for any driver, anywhere. With collision-related deaths in Arizona going up from 2019 to 2020, from 980 to 1,057, now is a good time to keep in mind your safety and the safety of those around you while on the road in Arizona. Of course, many […]
Holiday Travel Safety
As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness. For these reasons and more, […]
Four Medical Alert and Slip and Fall Apps
Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately rather common in the US. The part that many people often miss when discussing slip and fall accidents, though, is that it is not just the elderly who suffer from them. Anyone of any age can have an accident, and people of all walks of life may have chronic […]
Winter Driving Safety Tips
Having your winter tires installed on your car and packing a windshield scraper is a good start to being prepared to drive in the winter, but as the cold weather gets harsher, the driving conditions get worse. With this comes the tendency for some people to overcorrect or not know how to stop properly, or […]
Safest Cars for 2022
If you are in the market for a new car, there are a lot of things on your mind. Besides cost and value, there is also style, reliability, and size to consider. But, above all, the most important thing should really always be safe when it comes to buying a new car. There are a […]
contact form
