California is one of the most dangerous states for motorcyclists. On average, the state has more than 400 motorcycle fatalities each year. And that number doesn’t include the non-fatal injuries that result from motorcycle accidents.
California has more than 750,000 registered motorcyclists. So, it’s not surprising that accidents occur often. But what causes such a high number of crashes among motorcyclists? Here are the five most common reasons for motorcycle accidents:
Hazardous driving conditions
A motorcycle is less stable than most other vehicles. There’s a disadvantage because the motorcycle only has two wheels. It’s easier for a motorcyclist to lose control when a road is bumpy or slick. Extra hazards such as potholes, sand and gravel also pose a threat to a motorcyclist.
Motorcycle parts that need repair or replacement
Motorcycle accidents often occur at high speeds. And if a bike part is defective, it’s more likely to give out when traveling at high speeds. This can result in an accident if the part fails during a ride.
Reckless car and truck drivers
There’s a misconception that accidents with motorcycles are always caused by motorcyclists. But that’s not true. Some motorists are reckless and have little regard for the safety of motorcyclists.
Rear-end crashes
It’s easy to forget that motorcycles have a short stopping distance. If a motorcyclist throws on brakes in front of a car, the car probably won’t stop in time. Likewise, a car stopping without warning in front of a motorcyclist is likely to cause a crash.
Unexpected lane changes
Motorcyclists are often hit when motorists make sudden lane changes. For example, a motorist can jump over into a lane that already has a motorcyclist. If the motorist isn’t paying attention, they can run the motorcyclist off the road or crash into it. This is why it’s important to check the lane before moving over.