Choosing the right motorcycle can be daunting, especially when considering safety. With various types of motorcycles available, it's important to know which one presents the lowest risk. Factors such as handling, stability, and rider protection play a role in determining a motorcycle's safety level.
If you are worried about motorcycle safety, there are several options to consider. Each type offers its own set of advantages and safety features. Below are five of the safest motorcycle types. Remember that no matter how safe your bike is, other drivers can still be reckless and hit you, causing serious injuries. If this happened to you, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately to learn your options.
Safest Types of Motorcycle
Scooters
Scooters are known for their smaller engines and lighter weight, which makes them easier to handle and control. Their low center of gravity enhances stability and maneuverability.
Adventure Bikes
Adventure bikes offer excellent rider protection with their robust frames, crash bars, and additional accessories like handguards. Furthermore, their taller height and more upright riding position give adventure bikes better visibility on the road.
Touring Motorcycles
Touring motorcycles are designed for long-distance travel and prioritize a relaxed riding position. They often have larger engines, providing ample power for highway cruising, though they are not designed for riskier, high-speed maneuvers. Touring motorcycles often include advanced suspension systems that can endure rough roads.
Cruisers
Cruisers are known for their low-slung designs, relaxed riding positions, and powerful engines. However, these motorcycles also offer excellent stability due to their low center of gravity. They also come with wide handlebars, providing better control and maneuverability for the rider.
Standard or "Naked" Motorcycles
Standard motorcycles, also known as "naked" motorcycles, offer a straightforward design without additional fairings or windshields. These motorcycles provide a more upright riding position, giving riders better visibility and control. Standard motorcycles are often equipped with smaller engines, making them easier to handle for beginners.
How Other Drivers Cause Motorcycle Collisions With Safe Riders
As a safe motorcycle rider, you understand the risks and take precautions to ensure your safety on the road. Unfortunately, even the most cautious riders are still at risk due to the actions of other drivers. Here are some common ways other drivers cause motorcycle collisions with safe riders.
Distracted Driving
One of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents is distracted driving. With the increasing use of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers often take their eyes off the road, diverting their attention from the task at hand. This can be extremely dangerous for motorcyclists, who are already more vulnerable due to their lack of protection.
When drivers are texting, talking on the phone, or even changing the radio station, they may fail to see a motorcycle in their blind spot or misjudge the speed and distance at which the motorcycle is traveling. This can lead to sudden lane changes or unsignaled turns, putting the lives of safe riders at risk.
Drunk Driving
Another major contributor to motorcycle collisions is drunk driving. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it extremely dangerous to operate a vehicle. When a drunk driver encounters a motorcycle on the road, they may struggle to accurately gauge the distance and speed of the motorcycle, leading to dangerous situations.
Drunk drivers also tend to exhibit reckless behaviors such as swerving in and out of lanes, running red lights, and failing to yield the right of way. These actions can be catastrophic for motorcyclists, who have little protection in the event of a collision.
Speeding
Excessive speeding is a common problem on our roads and poses a significant threat to motorcyclists. When other drivers exceed the speed limit, they reduce their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic patterns or unexpected maneuvers by motorcycles. This lack of response time can result in devastating accidents.
Furthermore, the force of impact in a collision between a speeding vehicle and a motorcycle is often much greater than in other types of accidents. Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities due to the disparity in size and protection between the two vehicles.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, rapid lane changes, and excessive honking, can escalate into dangerous situations for motorcyclists. These behaviors often stem from frustration, impatience, or a disregard for traffic laws.
When drivers engage in aggressive behaviors, they create a hostile and unpredictable driving environment. Safe motorcycle riders may find themselves at the mercy of these aggressive drivers, who may purposely cut them off or attempt to intimidate them on the road. This can lead to accidents and injuries that should have been avoided if drivers had exercised more caution and courtesy.
Failing to Yield
Motorcycles have the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicle on the road, but sometimes drivers fail to acknowledge this fact. Failing to yield to motorcyclists when appropriate can lead to serious collisions.
Whether a driver fails to yield the right of way at an intersection or neglects to give motorcycles enough space when merging, negligent actions can result in devastating accidents. Motorcyclists who are following traffic laws and operating safely should not be put at risk due to the negligence of other drivers.
All motorcycle riders must be aware that the actions of other drivers can compromise their safety. If you have been injured in a motorcycle collision due to another driver's negligence, seek legal assistance to protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve. A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can identify the best course of action to seek the compensation you deserve.
Call a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, never wait to consult a motorcycle accident lawyer in your area. They have extensive experience handling motorcycle accident cases and can provide the legal guidance and representation you need.
Additionally, most motorcycle accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay fees if they successfully recover compensation for you. Take the first step toward protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve. Contact a personal injury attorney near you today and ask for a free consultation.
Adam B. Lawler
Attorney at Law / Partner
Adam Lawler is the founder of Lawler Brown. Adam is a 2004 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Adam worked for a local firm until founding the Lawler Brown in 2009. Adam’s practice areas focus in Personal Injury, Business, Real Estate, Probate/Trust/Estate Administration and general litigation.
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