More than 127,000 motorcycles are registered in Oklahoma, and as the number of motorcycles on the road increases, so do the number of motorcycle accidents. In a recent year, 98 riders sustained fatal injuries in Oklahoma. Unlike cars, trucks and SUVs, motorcyclists are not surrounded by thousands of pounds of steel to protect them in a crash.
The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Left turns. This is far and away the most common type of motorcycle accident. The automobile driver either fails to see the motorcyclist or misjudges the bike’s speed and distance. Always be on the lookout for signs that a car is about to turn left in front of you.
- Lane changes. When drivers of cars change lanes, they may not see a motorcycle that’s already in the lane. Motorcyclists should be particularly wary of drivers who try to get ahead of the traffic by veering from lane to lane.
- Following too closely. Drivers tend to tailgate motorcycles more closely than they would another car. Drivers also are better at gauging when an automobile is slowing or stopping than they are with motorcycles. So always be aware of who is behind you. Tap your brake light a couple of times to let the car behind you know that you are slowing or stopping.
Automobiles are not always the cause of serious motorcycle accidents. As a rider, you also have responsibilities. Observe Oklahoma’s motorcycle laws. Know your machine’s limitations and how it handles under different road and weather conditions. If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, contact a skilled Stipe Law Firm motorcycle accident lawyer.