Prevent Road Rush to Avoid Motorcycle Crash

By: Jean Kuda
Submitted: 2008-07-18 15:09:21
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In this time and age, road safety has become a major challenge in almost any place in the world. Each year 50 million people are injured in road traffic accidents globally.

In Los Angeles alone, deaths or injuries due to motorcycle crash are rising fast. Added to its busy streets and highways are the large volume of vehicles that travel in and out of Los Angeles.

The dangers of riding motorcycle is real than apparent. By merely looking at its structure, no expert advice is necessary to tell you its dangers.

Apart from the rider’s fully exposed body and little protection during crash, weather conditions can substantially influence motorcycle riding. Moreover, its small frame is no match to the size of other vehicles on the road.

In case of an accident, consultation with Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyers is advised.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Crash

Motorcycle crash is common to children and adolescents. In most crashes, the victims do not wear helmets.

Aside from not wearing helmets, injuries from motorcycle crash are caused by:

•    Low conspicuity - Due to its small structure, motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles. It is advised that motorcycle drivers increase the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing, white or light colored helmets, and headlights. These are simple and cheap interventions that could considerably reduce motorcycle crash related injury and death.

•    Speeding - Driving beyond the speed limit has been the usual culprit in most motorcycle crash and in all other accidents.


Safety Guidelines

Motorcycle riding is inherently dangerous. Steps must be taken to prevent collision with other vehicles or fatal crashes.

The following tips may be helpful to a safer motorcycle ride:

•    Never cut in front of large vehicles - Fully loaded trucks weigh about 80,000 pounds and take the length of a football field to stop. On the other hand, cars weigh up to 3,000 pounds.

•    Do not drive alongside large vehicles - There are large blind spots around trucks and other huge vehicles where cars shortly "disappear" from view and the driver cannot see you. To be visible motorcycle drivers should not linger near trucks and should move past them or slow down to back off, out of the blind spot.

•    Avoid changing lanes - Change lanes cautiously. Only change lanes when you can see both of the truck's headlights in your rearview mirror. In case of trucks, its blind spot on the right runs the length of the trailer and extends out 3 lanes. Motorcycles riders should try to avoid passing through this large blind spot.

•    Keep considerable distance - Try to leave a 10-car length safety cushion in front of another vehicle and stay back 20-25 car lengths. Following another vehicle too closely obscures your view. Trucks make wide turns at intersections and require additional lanes to turn, so motorists should allow a truck the space it needs to maneuver.

•    Remain alert and always be prepared to avoid a crash

•    Wear highly visible clothing especially at night

•    Use headlight, even in daylight

•    Communicate with the other drivers by using the proper signals, brake light, and lane position.

Article source: Expert Articles